We’ve gone from clean sheet machine to charity shop – Forest Green boss Cooper

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020 by PA

Forest Green boss Mark Cooper shouldered the blame for his side’s third straight defeat as they slumped to a 4-1 home loss to Carlisle.

Nathan Thomas hit a hat-trick as the Cumbrians delivered another blow to Rovers’ promotion ambitions.

Josh Kayode got the fourth for Carlisle before Carl Winchester grabbed a consolation for Rovers from the spot.

Cooper, whose side have now conceded 11 goals in four games, said: “We’ve gone from being a real clean sheet machine to being a charity shop and not scoring enough at the other end, but it’s important now we stick together and reboot and start again.

“It’s not a time for me to be ranting and raving. Yes, I am the coach, but I need a little bit back from them to help me solve the problems, but we will dust ourselves down and get ready to play Grimsby on Saturday.”

Rovers remain three points off the play-offs, despite a run of three wins from 13 games, but Cooper expects to be backed by chairman Dale Vince, despite a section of fans calling for his head.

Cooper said: “You’re asking the wrong man that, but I would think so, yes. The fans pay their money and they are entitled to shout what they want.

“When you lose at home 4-1 you deserve to take a bit of stick and you’ve got to take it on the chin and have broad shoulders, but we dust ourselves down and stick together.”

Carlisle head coach Chris Beech was full of praise for match-winner Thomas, whose second goal was a thunderous effort from long range.

He said: “I’ve never seen a goal as good as his second one in my whole career, although he did score one like it in training yesterday. It was world class.

“Every single goal was excellent though. We have to continue the hard work and continue to get better.

“I ask them for energy, but intelligent energy. It’s no good just running around, you’ve got to use your brain and they all did. Their attitude was great.”

The victory gave Carlisle back-to-back league wins for the first time in more than a year and Beech is still looking to strengthen his squad.

He said: “I’m really, really pleased for everyone attached to the football club.

“I still want to recruit more players, but it takes hard work. I was talking to one player as I got on to the bus to get to this game and I’m having breakfast with another player in the morning.”

Earlier, the Cumbrians had the Gloucestershire side on the ropes with two goals in three first-half minutes.