Brunton Park played host to a high-scoring affair as Carlisle United secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Forest Green Rovers in an English National League fixture. The win saw the Cumbrians make a notable climb in the league standings.
The opening period was characterised by an eager start from both teams. Carlisle United took the lead in the 18th minute when Regan Linney found the net. However, Forest Green Rovers responded swiftly. Jayden Clarke equalised for the visitors in the 26th minute.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Carlisle United re-established their advantage. Regan Linney scored his second goal of the match in the 45th minute, giving the home side a slender lead at the interval.
The second half commenced with Forest Green Rovers seeking an equaliser, which they found in the 53rd minute through Harvey Bunker, levelling the score at 2-2.
The complexion of the match shifted in the 63rd minute when Laurent Mendy of Forest Green Rovers was shown a second yellow card, leaving the visitors with ten men. Carlisle United capitalised on this numerical advantage. In the 85th minute, substitute Harvey Macadam, who had been introduced in the 59th minute, scored to put Carlisle United back in front. Regan Linney provided the assist for Macadam’s goal, capping off an impressive individual display.
With Forest Green Rovers pushing for a late equaliser, Carlisle United confirmed their victory in the final moments. In the 92nd minute, Georgie Kelly converted a penalty, adding a fourth goal for the home side and sealing a hard-fought 4-2 win.
This victory propels Carlisle United to second place in the English National League table, accumulating 32 points from 15 games, leaving them two points adrift of the league leaders. Forest Green Rovers, meanwhile, remain in fifth place with 29 points, having now gone winless in their last four matches. This result underscores the competitive nature of the league, with goal-laden encounters proving to be a recurring theme.
