Forest Green Carlisle United 0 Cool Cooper in contention
MARK COOPER insists Forest Green will remain “grounded” as the race for promotion hots up.
Jamille Matt stabbed home his ninth goal of the season on 76 minutes, stretching Rovers’ unbeaten record to seven.
It means they leapfrog title rivals Carlilse to narrow the gap at the top to just a point behind leaders Newport.
Carlisle began the game on a hot four-game winning streak and had previously never lost at Forest Green, with boss Chris Beech knowing a victory with other results going their way would have given his previously in-form side a Christmas No.1.
Delighted boss Cooper said: “Carlisle have had a brilliant run and are really direct and we had to be dogged and determined.
“We defended well with not the biggest back three in the world, but we dug in and I thought we played really well in the second half.”
And Cooper heaped praise on red-hot striker Matt, who led the line with intent.
He added: “I thought Jammer did really well. Our No.9 earned his money and was a really important player for us.
“He held the ball up well and Aaron Collins in behind him should have had a hat-trick.”
Carlisle boss Chris
Beech said: “We’ll dust ourselves down from this defeat. Congratulations to Forest Green, their lads and their staff.
“We had a few chances in the first half, but I felt we weren’t on the front foot.
“We weren’t at it but we were better in the second half.
“We now have to move forward from the point we’re at now.”