Hero Hope springs eternal for Cumbrians

HALLAM Hope’s tenth goal of the season inspired Carlisle as they defeated Yeovil to extend their winning streak to three matches.

The pitch at Huish Park passed a prematch inspection to allow the game to go ahead and the Cumbrians shrugged off that uncertainty to help themselves to a welcome three points.

Carlisle manager Keith Curle said: “It’s another mental challenge that the players have to deal with, as there is speculation the game might be off, or it might be on.

“And if it does get called off, we have to come down here again.

“I thought it was one of those games where it was going to be scrappy, but I’m pleased with the result and it was a good finish for the goal – I always I thought that Hallam was going to be a threat.”

The opening chance of the game fell to Hope, who volleyed a leftfooted effort wide.

In the 18th minute, the Glovers’ Tom James picked out fellow central defender Omar Sowunmi with a freekick from deep but he flicked over the bar, with Carlisle keeper Jack Bonham beaten.

Yeovil broke away and saw Ryan Seager shoot wide on 33 minutes.

The Glovers threatened again in the 38th minute when Sam Surridge teed up Jake Gray, who was denied by the reflexes of Bonham.

The Cumbrians then raced out of the blocks in the second half and they were in front on 48 minutes as Hope burst through the Yeovil defence before cutting inside and finding the bottom corner of the net with an angled effort, following good work from Jamie Devitt and Richie Bennett.

Hope came close to completing a brace in the 69th minute when he rattled a long-range strike against the post.

Four minutes later, Otis Khan connected with a cross from fellow substitute Jordan Green but mis-hit his shot and the ball fell to Oscar Gobern, whose effort was cleared away by Gary Liddle.

At the death, Yeovil almost snatched an equaliser again as Lewis Wing struck the upright from the edge of the area before the rebound fell kindly to Sowunmi, who nodded straight into the arms of Bonham.

“We’ve had chances. There’s often not much in a League Two game. It went from end-toend,” said Yeovil boss Darren Way.

“After going in front, you could see the experience levels in their back four. They are the type of players that win you games.”