The Bolt New Lawn was the scene of a goal-laden encounter as Carlisle United secured a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the English National League. The visitors established a commanding lead in the first half, demonstrating clinical finishing and tactical astuteness, before Forest Green Rovers rallied in the second period, albeit to no avail.
Carlisle United drew first blood in the eleventh minute when Stephen Wearne found the back of the net, with Luke Armstrong providing the assist. The advantage was doubled in the twenty-second minute when Morgan Feeney struck, this time with David Ajiboye credited with the assist. The relentless pressure from the visitors paid dividends once more in the twenty-ninth minute, as David Ajiboye added his name to the scoresheet, extending Carlisle’s lead to a commanding 3-0.
The first half saw a yellow card for Forest Green Rovers’ Nick Haughton in the sixth minute for a foul. Carlisle United’s Josh Williams also received a booking in the thirty-ninth minute, also for a foul. Forest Green Rovers made a tactical substitution in the twenty-sixth minute, bringing on Josh Osude for Nick Haughton. At half time, further tactical adjustments were made by both sides. Gabriel Kircough replaced Jayden Clarke and Jay Mingi came on for Abraham Kanu for Forest Green Rovers.
The second half began with Forest Green Rovers showing renewed determination. Their efforts were rewarded in the fifty-second minute when Jay Mingi scored, assisted by Ricardo Rees, to reduce the deficit to 3-1. This goal injected a sense of urgency into the home side’s play, and they pushed for further opportunities to close the gap.
Carlisle United responded to the pressure with strategic substitutions and defensive solidity. Morgan Feeney received a yellow card in the sixty-sixth minute for a foul, and later, Jack Ellis was booked in the ninetieth minute for a foul. Forest Green Rovers also saw Gabriel Kircough cautioned in the eighty-ninth minute for a foul. Substitutions were made throughout the second half as Carlisle United looked to manage the game and secure their advantage, including the introduction of Terell Thomas, Jack Ellis, Cameron Harper, and Hugh Parker.
The scoreline remained 3-1 until the final whistle, with Carlisle United holding firm to claim all three points. The victory sees Carlisle United solidify their position in the top three of the National League, currently sitting in third place with 65 points from 32 games. Forest Green Rovers, despite the loss, remain in sixth place with 58 points from 33 games, still within contention for play-off places.
