MELLODRAMA!

JON MELLISH’s 11th goal in 11 games couldn’t prevent Carlisle losing their 100 per cent home record and crashing to defeat at the hands of fellow high- fliers Cheltenham.

Former centre- half Mellish had never scored until he did on October 3 against Barrow, sparking a run which has now seen him score 50 per cent of his side’s goals this season.

But it wasn’t enough for the Cumbrians who were always up against it after William Boyle and Conor Thomas fired the Robins into a two-goal lead.

And while Mellish’s remarkable sequence continued, he also conceded the penalty which proved decisive.

That’s now two league wins this calendar year for Cheltenham at Brunton Park having previously failed to notch up a victory there since 1933 and

Thomas’ 36th- minute spot-kick was the first time they had scored twice in a league game at football’s northerly outpost.

Cheltenham Town manager Michael Duff said: “I asked the lads for a dogged performance but didn’t expect it to turn out quite like that. But you can’t always be a nice, open expansive team.

“We showed another side today which we knew was in there after a couple of soft displays.”

Boyle’s second goal of the season was similar to his first when he opened the scoring in the 2-1 win at home to Forest Green a fortnight ago.

Back then, Ben Tozer was the source with one of his trademark missile throw-ins.

And the pair combined after quarter of an hour as Boyle met his skipper’s hurled delivery with a thumping header.

Mellish won’t recall his 35th-minute contribution too fondly with a clumsy

RISE AND SHINE William Boyle leaps to head home the opener for Cheltenham

SPOT OF BOTHER Jon Mellish scored but gave away a penalty challenge on Tozer which gave Thomas the chance go two ahead, sending Paul Farman the wrong way from the spot.

Carlisle boss Chris Beech felt there was a foul before the winning goal.

He said: “I’m a little disappointed because in the build-up, there was a foul on Jon Mellish but these things happen.

“At least he’s kept up his run – the lad has that amazing knack of getting on the end of things.”

The Robins were good value for their lead but, in first half injury- time, Mellish scored, flicking the ball over Scott Flinders.