Carlisle’s battle for survival ends in defeat at Cheltenham

Carlisle United were consigned to relegation to the National League after a 3-2 defeat at Cheltenham.

Mark Hughes’ side needed a victory in their penultimate match of the Sky Bet League Two campaign, which would still have left them relying on other results going their way.

They took the lead through Matthew Dennis but Jordan Thomas levelled from the spot and Ashley Hay put the home side in front just before half-time.

Georgie Kelly headed Carlisle level in the second half but George Miller won it for Cheltenham at the end.

Kelly missed an early chance, blasting over the bar in the 10th minute, but Gabe Breeze saved well from Hay at the other end.

Carlisle struck first when Stephen Wearne flicked on Aaron Hayden’s ball and Dennis raced through and beat Joe Day with a low finish in the 29th minute.

Cheltenham were awarded a penalty when Breeze was adjudged to have tripped Jordan Thomas and Thomas converted in the 33rd minute.

The hosts led when Ethon Archer’s ball over the top was reached by Hay, who finished confidently in the 45th minute.

Carlisle levelled when Elliot Embleton’s cross was nodded in from close range by Kelly in the 73rd minute.

However, Miller struck three minutes into time added on to seal the points for mid-table Cheltenham and cap a dismal day for the Cumbrian side.