Bristol Rovers, a ten-man team, won 1-0 at Carlisle in grueling conditions to stretch their unbeaten streak to five games.
Sam Lavelle’s own goal, scored before the half time break, was the difference that saw managerless Rovers rise to the 10th position in League One and Carlisle drop to the 22nd.
In the first period, the Cumbrians were a threat. Jack Armer was close to getting his toes on Luke Plange’s low cross. Jordan Gibson also missed a chance with a shot.
The Pirates took the lead when Jack Hunt returned to the field and his cross was deflected by Lavelle, the opposition’s defender. It looped in at the back of the net.
After the half, Carlisle tried to equalize. Matthew Cox saved Dylan McGeouch’s shot and Sean Maguire’s flick on from Owen Moxon’s low corner went over the bar.
Cox was again alert in the 65th minutes, when he made a brilliant save to his left to deflect Plange’s head around the goalpost.
Rovers was reduced to 10 players 17 minutes before the end when Tristan Crama pushed Terry Ablade back to prevent a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Cox made more good saves to deny Moxon’s free kick and Plange’s shot. The visitors won the match.
