Match Preview: Carlisle United

5 April 2023

Tranmere Rovers travel to Carlisle United on Good Friday in the first of two fixtures over the Easter Bank Holiday.

Rovers currently sit in 14th place in Sky Bet League Two having reached the 50 point mark against Harrogate United last time out. Ian Dawes and his players will be looking to build on the two previous draws and positive performances to gain maximum points against tough opposition.

The hosts, Carlisle United, are managed by Paul Simpson and sit on the periphery of the automatic promotion spots as we approach the final stretch of the season. The Cumbrians are two points behind third place Stevenage and have played a game more so three points will be imperative this Friday.

Earlier in the season, Carlisle ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Kristin Dennis with goals in both halves securing the three points.

One to Watch: Kristian Dennis

After being born in Manchester, Dennis came through the ranks at Macclesfield Town where he made four professional appearances before moving around teams within the non-league system.

In 2016, he joined Chesterfield where he had a decent spell in front of goal and then moved for two seasons at Notts County before moving North of the border with St Mirren.

After yet another two-year long spell, 2022 saw the striker join Carlisle United where he has hit the ground running, certainly in this campaign.

So far in 22/23, Dennis has netted on 18 occasions in all competitions and will be eager to hit the 20 goal mark and fire Carlisle into those automatic promotion places.

The Manager: Paul Simpson

After re-joining his hometown club, Paul Simpson has loved being back at Carlisle United and has the Blues in good stead once again after steering them away from relegation last season.

His first spell saw his win back-to-back promotions before experiencing time with Preston, Stockport and England Under 20s where he won the World Cup in 2017.

Now back at Brunton Park, Simpson is hoping Carlisle he can add another promotion to his CV either via the play-offs or even with automatic promotion with his side currently on the brink of those places.

How to watch Carlisle United v Tranmere Rovers?

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Match Previews

Match Reports

Carlisle United 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

7 April 2023

Tranmere Rovers were defeated 2-0 away at promotion-chasing Carlisle United in Sky Bet League Two at Brunton Park on Good Friday.

Kristian Dennis’ first-half double claimed all three points for Paul Simpson’s Blues on a frustrating afternoon for Rovers, who were backed by 716 supporters who had made the trip from the Wirral.

Kane Hemmings returned from injury to replace Joe Mumbongo in the starting line-up as Ian Dawes made one change.

Rovers were behind on three minutes when Mateusz Hewelt’s clearance from Tom Davies’ pass back was pounced upon by Omari Patrick in the box who squared the ball to the unmarked Dennis who struck left-footed into an empty net.

Carlisle went close to extending their lead minutes later, when Dennis’ half-volley across goal crept narrowly past Hewelt’s far post.

Hewelt then had to save well from Patrick in a dangerous position, with John Mellish firing the follow-up into the side-netting.

Searching for an equaliser, Josh Hawkes surged forward before shooting from distance which landed wide of Tomas Holy’s bottom-left post.

Rovers had a couple of opportunities in quick succession, with Hawkes’ volleying over the crossbar before Tom Davies heading off target, both from Hughes’ set-pieces.

Buoyed by a positive spell of play, Rhys Hughes’ through ball set Harvey Saunders free, however Paul Huntington was well-positioned to dispossess the Rovers attacker in the box.

Ethan Bristow drove forward to flash an enticing cross which was cleared behind for a corner.

Carlisle doubled their advantage with 39 minutes played. Owen Moxon’s deep cross was headed across goal at the back post by Jack Armer for Dennis to beat Hewelt from six-yards high into the net.

Hemmings’ snapshot was blocked by Ben Barclay after good work from Regan Hendry, as Rovers aimed to half the deficit.

Hewelt got down low well to thwart Patrick from adding a third for the hosts after Alfie McCalmont’s pass had set up a one-on-one situation.

From the resulting corner, Dennis’ header was cleared off the line by Hendry.

Following the restart, Dawes made his first substitution as Mumbongo came on in place of Hughes.

Rovers survived early second-half scares, with Jamie Devitt finding space to bend a strike just inches wide of Hewelt’s right-post.

Hewelt was called upon to push Armer’s cross into the box to safety, which denied Dennis a tap-in.

TRFC’s next change saw Saunders replaced by Chalmers with 54 minutes on the clock in Cumbria.

On the hour, Josh Dacres-Cogley delivered a ball aimed at Mumbongo, though Huntington beat the forward to it in the air.

Dawes later introduced Lee O’Connor into the action, with the Rovers number four coming on for Hawkes ahead of the closing 25 minutes.

Holy punched Hendry’s free-kick away, whilst at the other end, Hewelt kept out Jack Ellis’ powerful attempt heading towards the top corner.

Rovers next two substitutions saw Florent Hoti and Sam Taylor come on as late changes for Chris Merrie and Hemmings respectively.

Good build-up play from Joe Garner and Moxon later teed-up the on-rushing Devitt, but his tame right-footed shot could only find the gloves of Hewelt.

In added time, Mumbongo’s pull-back was flicked wide of Holy’s post by Chalmers, which proved to be Rovers final opportunity.

Next up for Tranmere is a return to Prenton Park on Easter Monday for the visit of Swindon Town, kick-off 3pm.

Tranmere: Hewelt, Dacres-Cogley, Davies, Turnbull, Bristow, Merrie (Hoti 79), Hendry, Hughes (Mumbongo 45), Hawkes (O’Connor 65), Saunders (Chalmers 54), Hemmings © (Taylor 78)

Subs not used: Turner-Cooke, Burton

Attendance: 13,410 (716 away)