DENNIS IS A MENACE

Simpson’s revival continues

KRISTIAN DENNIS got one over “the Geordie Maradona” to maintain Carlisle’s resurgence since Paul Simpson’s Brunton Park return.

The well-travelled 32-year-old striker, a New Year signing, pounced from close range after 72 minutes to make it 18 points out of 21 under manager Simpson.

Several hundred Newcastle fans had made the 55-mile journey across the A69 to watch Toon loanee Elliot Anderson in action for Bristol Rovers.

The youngster has been described as the club’s hottest prospect since Paul Gascoigne and throughout the game he was serenaded with chants comparing him not with Gazza but the Argentine legend Maradona.

The teenager dazzled with his footwork and vision but couldn’t inspire Joey Barton’s side to the victory they needed to boost their promotion bid.

“It was nice to have those Newcastle lads here supporting Elliot,” said Barton (below).

“Let’s hope they are seeing him in black and white before too long.

“They now know how good he is although his end product could have been better.

“But we are disappointed with the result. We felt in control and at halftime, I could only see one winner.”

Anderson forced keeper Mark Howard into a fine 17th-minute save with a curler before a defence-splitting pass set up Sam Finley, but he fired straight at the keeper.

Seven minutes before half-time, Anderson burst into the area but Howard parried away his effort.

At the other end, Carlisle could have gone ahead early on but Brennan Dickenson’s diving header was brilliantly kept out by James Belshaw.

And Jordan Gibson’s volley looked destined for the net only for James Connolly to block it.

In the 64th minute a Connolly error let in Dennis but Belshaw made a point-blank save.

But Dennis made no mistake eight minutes later after Omari Patrick split the Rovers defence.

The Cumbrians had an escape when Connolly’s header was cleared off the line by Morgan Feeney.

“I’m really pleased with the job I’m doing here but really, it is all about the players because they are making my life really good,” said Simpson.

KRIS CHASE Carlisle forward Kristian Dennis celebrates his winning goal 5 ........ Shots on Target ......... 7 6 ........ Shots off Target ......... 7 2 ................ Corners ................ 11 8 .................. Fouls .................... 9 5 ............... Offsides ................. 2 54...Passing Success % 72.3 235 ....... Total Passes ........ 455 34 ........ Possession% ........ 66 45.2..Territorial Adv % ..54.8