Carlisle United claimed a 2-0 victory over Woking at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, a match where they asserted their dominance in the second half. The first half took on a physical edge early on, with Tim Akinola of Woking receiving a yellow card in the 21st minute for a foul. Carlisle’s Gabriel Breeze followed suit, also receiving a caution in the 34th minute.
The deadlock was broken in the 57th minute when Luke Armstrong, assisted by Jack Ellis, put Carlisle ahead. The second half saw rising tensions, evidenced by a yellow card for Woking’s Chinwike Okoli in the 50th minute.
In the 71st minute, Carlisle manager Mark Hughes made a double substitution, introducing Georgie Kelly and Ethan Robson in place of Luke Armstrong, the goalscorer, and Harvey Macadam, respectively. Woking responded in the 76th minute with a triple substitution, bringing on Inih Effiong, Jack Turner, and Josh Osude for Oliver Sanderson, Tim Akinola, and Aiden O’Brien, in an attempt to revitalise their attack. Carlisle swiftly countered, replacing Elliot Embleton with Stephen Wearne in the 77th minute.
Elliot Embleton received a yellow card in the 74th minute, and Woking’s Jamie Andrews was also cautioned in the 80th minute. Ethan Robson, who had been brought on as a substitute in the 71st minute, extended Carlisle’s lead in the 81st minute, effectively securing the win.
Late in the game, in the 89th minute, Carlisle made a further double substitution, with Archie Davies and Sam Murray replacing David Ajiboye and Regan Linney, respectively, as they looked to solidify their defence.
The victory moved Carlisle United to 3rd in the English National League standings with 3 points, while Woking sit further down the table in 18th position with 0 points. Carlisle will be looking to capitalise on this strong start, while Woking will be keen to recover in their next matches.
