Deadly Devitt as Carlisle beat Forest Green

Posted Sunday, January 28, 2018 by PA

A first half goal from Jamie Devitt, his fifth of the season, was sufficient to earn three points for Carlisle against Forest Green Rovers at a windswept Brunton Park.

Both sides struggled to come to terms with the blustery conditions although Reece Brown tried his luck early on from 25 yards for Rovers only to see his shot veer off target.

Devitt went closest for Carlisle in the early exchanges and he was responsible for giving his side the lead in the 27th minute.

A free kick on the left was taken short to Danny Grainger whose cross was only partially dealt with by the Forest Green defence allowing Devitt to power a low shot past Brad Collins from 18 yards.

There was a close call at the other end in the 35th minute when Dayle Grubb’s ball into the box came off Carlisle defender Tom Parkes and missed the post by inches as it rolled out for a corner.

Rovers had penalty claims turned down after the break when leading scorer Christian Doidge went down in the box as Parkes challenged from behind.

Only a great block on the line by Farrend Rawson prevented Luke Joyce from scoring a second for Carlisle after Millwall loanee Kris Twardek had laid on a close range chance.

Forest Green had a decent share of the game with the wind at their backs, but needed too much time in and around the box to trouble Bonham in the Carlisle goal.