With Jamie Burt out for up to five weeks, Jon McCarthy came back into the side following his absence through injury against Orient. United ran out in their new green away strip that is likely to be used for only one match due to the colour clash with Rovers. It was the visitors who settled the quicker, forcing the first corner and winning more than their share of possession. However clear-cut chances were not forthcoming. Brian Shelley went down injured after a strong challenge but continued after treatment. It was Shelley making a good challenge to deny Paul Tait after 25 minutes to concede a corner. Then Rovers had two chances in quick succession as a long goal-kick was met by Giuliano Grazioli who forced a good parry by Glennon and Wayne Carlisle hoofed the rebound over the cross-bar. Richie Foran and Craig Farrell then did well to set up Adam Rundle who fired a shot over the bar, at that stage United's best move of the match. On 30 minutes a Graham Hyde cross was met by Grazioli who headed wide from 8 yards when a goal should have been recorded. The home side's pressure paid off two minutes later when Glennon miskicked a clearance and a cross in from Danny Boxall was only placed at Grazioli's feet by Shelley. Grazioli found the back of net to put Rovers one up. United were rocking a bit at the back but they held firm and brought themselves level on the stroke of half-time. Shelley carrying the ball forward and finding Mark Hudson who got the run of the ball and was able to pass to Craig Farrell who planted home the equaliser. Hudson was immediately booked for a foul that conceded a free kick 25 yards out. The kick was blocked and the referee blew for half-time. Paul Tait began the second half by going on a good run that ended with a shot and a fine save from Glennon. Six minutes in the Cumbrians took the lead. Darren Kelly put in a great cross and Richie Foran was there unmarked to nod Carlisle into a 2-1 advantage. Rovers had a chance when Grazioli fell just outside the box and McCarthy was booked for encroachment. David Gilroy's effort was hardly worth waiting for, going way over the bar. Rundle produced an overhead kick on 68 minutes but Scott Howie saved. Disaster struck for McCarthy when he committed what seemed an innocuous foul outside the box and was shown a second yellow and ordered off. Grazioli set up Simon Bryant on 79 minutes who put some power into his shot but Glennon smothered it at the second attempt. Farrell made an opening for himself with 7 minutes remaining but Howie saved. The final whistle brought a chorus of boos from disgruntled home supporters. Al's verdict: Probably the most significant result of the season. After a good home win last week, it was crucial we built on it with something from this game. As it turned out, this was a relatively comfortable victory, although United's attack took a long time to really get going. With performances like this, we shouldn't be in trouble for much longer. Rovers did not look a good side, despite just one defeat from their previous six games. Another couple of wins and we may be able to really focus on getting to Cardiff in the LDV! |
