Dennis hits the Pirates’ promotion ambitions

BRISTOL Rovers boss Joey Barton was left frustrated after his side’s promotion hopes were dented by Kristian Dennis’s solitary strike for Carlisle.

But Barton revealed has full faith in his side to bounce back and achieve their goal this season.

After their fourgame winning run came to an end, he said: “It was strange because we felt we were fully comfortable. We never, ever felt it was a game we were going to lose.

“But when it’s tight and 0-0 against a side in good form with a passionate crowd behind them then anything can happen.

“I can’t question the lads’ attitude or application, but we’re disappointed to leave here with no points.

“It’s three points we’ll be disappointed on in reflection.

“We had more than enough quality out there and if we keep showing that endeavour and commitment then we will get to where we want to come the end of the season.”

The hosts started well, with Brennan Dickenson’s header saved by James Belshaw, before Jordan Gibson hit a post.

Dennis also had an effort ruled out for offside after 15 minutes, before

Mark Howard did well to keep out Elliot Anderson.

After the break, Howard produced a top save to tip Sam Finley’s strike over.

Not to be outshone, Belshaw somehow kept out a dangerous Dennis strike just after the hour.

But the striker was not to be denied a deserved goal and he was in the right place at the right time to slot home the rebound after Gibson’s effort was blocked with 18 minutes left.

Morgan Feeney cleared James Connolly’s header off the line to secure the points.

The win maintained Paul Simpson’s remarkable run in the Cumbrians’ hotseat, with his sixth in seven games.

“The players are writing the scripts, they truly are,” he said. “The workrate was incredible and the way they’ve done the ugly side of the game with the defending, the blocks, the goalkeeper making saves, that’s how you earn results.

“It’s a massive win for us, especially when you look at what’s happened around us. I’m so proud of this group of players, I’ve said thank you to them.”