Carlisle United 1-0 Bristol Rovers: Player ratings & man of the match as Gas hit a slight bump

Bristol Rovers had a slight bump in their hopeful road to League Two promotion as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Carlisle United at Brunton Park.

Kristian Dennis scored the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute to give former Bristol City coach Paul Simpson a sixth win in seven games since taking over the Blues.

It is just the third time this year that Joey Barton’s men have fell to a defeat this year and whilst they had chances, they didn’t trouble Howard enough.

After the defeat, the Gas drop two places down to sixth and are now three points off of third-placed Northampton Town, who 2-0 against Hartlepool United.

Four teams are now on 63 points, with Port Vale, Newport County and Tranmere Rovers all occupying the play-off spots on the same points tally.

The away side started the brighter of the two teams and yielded the games first real attacking opportunity. Harry Anderson found Sam Nicholson in a central position and he stretched his leg out but touched his shot wide of the goal.

Carlisle then had multiple opportunities to take the lead, but were denied by James Belshaw, the post and an offside flag. Brennan Dickenson’s header was well saved before moments later, Gibson hit the woodwork before it faltered out and then Kristian Dennis turned home a shot into the net but he was adjudged to have been offside.

After surviving the three scares, Rovers had their own moment to take the lead, a curling shot from Elliot Anderson forced Mark Howard to dive down low.

Carlisle had another golden chance but Dennis’ header could only land on the roof of the net.

At the end of the first half, Anderson danced his way past two defenders before forcing Howard to save in what was their best chance.

Rovers improved after emerging from the dressing room, Finley’s outside of the boot effort forced Howard to tip his shot over the bar.

After sending on Harvey Saunders and Leon Clarke, Rovers tried to go more attacking but they were left vulnerable at the back and Carlisle scored. Gibson’s shot was blocked by the defence but Dennis scored on the rebound.

Seeking a response, James Connolly rose high to header at goal but Morgan Feeney cleared off the line to stop them from getting a route back into the game.

Time wasting was to follow from the hosts with numerous players requesting medical treatment which added more time to the match clock.

In the first minute of additional time, Luke Thomas tried to tuck a low shot past Howard but his effort came too far out from goal to test the goalkeeper. Despite numerous corner kicks, Rovers could not mount a response and they fell to their first defeat since Newport.

Heroes

James Belshaw: Unfortunate to concede the goal which could have been avoidable had his defenders dealt with the danger. Made a few good saves early on against Dickenson.

Luke Thomas: Came on when his side were trailing and had a few moments where it looked like he could have been an unlikely hero after playing a bit part role this season.

Villains

The Carlisle United ball boys: A few times in the second half there were a few Carlisle ball boys that perhaps held on to the ball longer than expected. I

Andy Haines: A few questionable decisions from the referee this afternoon. Firstly, he didn’t acknowledge the ball boys time wasting which was impacting the flow of Rovers’ game. Secondly, in the last action of the match, a low cross from Elliot Anderson looked to have clipped Daniel Devine, but he awarded a goal kick.

Player ratings

Carlisle United (5-3-2): Mark Howard 7, Jack Armer 7, Jon Mellish 7 (Kelvin Mellor, n/a; 87), Morgan Feeney 7, Dynel Simeu 7, Joe Riley (Rod McDonald n/a; 87) Brennan Dickenson 7, Corey Whelan 7 (Daniel Devine, 6;79), Jordan Gibson 7, Kristian Dennis 8, Omari Patrick 6.

Bristol Rovers (4-1-4-1): James Belshaw 7, Luca Hoole 5, Connor Taylor 7, James Connolly 6, Harry Anderson 6, Glenn Whelan 6, (Leon Clarke, 6; 66), Paul Coutts 6, (Luke Thomas, 84), Sam Nicholson 6 (Harvey Saunders 6;66), Sam Finley 6, Elliot Anderson 7, Aaron Collins 5.

Man of the Match

Kristian Dennis. It wasn’t a game that was dominated by one player but the forward caused some problems for the defence and claimed the match winning goal.

What’s next?

It’s back to the Memorial Stadium for Rovers next week as they take on Bradford City. Carlisle are in midweek action away at Rochdale on Tuesday.