Carlisle 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle: Cumbrians seal safety

Posted Sunday, April 19, 2015 by PA

Goals either side of half-time from Gary Dicker and Billy Paynter ensured Carlisle's safety in Sky Bet League Two, although the 2-0 win was a setback for Plymouth's play-off hopes.

With teams below them losing, Carlisle's battling performance made it three games without defeat and removed any lingering relegation worries.

Although Plymouth had the edge early on, Carlisle should have scored in the 11th minute when Steven Rigg delayed shooting from close range and his eventual effort was deflected against the left-hand post.

Twice the Pilgrims tested Carlisle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who did well to deal with rasping drives from Anthony O'Connor and Bobby Reid.

Carlisle went ahead in the 29th minute with a spectacular strike by midfield man Dicker as he strode on to the ball 25 yards from goal to volley right footed past Luke McCormick.

Plymouth were having some joy down the left flank and a cross from there set up a chance for Lewis Alessandra, only for Gillespie to once again defy the visitors with a fingertip save.

Carlisle doubled their led five minutes after the break when Brad Potts played the ball forward for Kyle Dempsey to win the header and feed Paynter, who picked his spot to slide home a shot low to McCormick's right.

Argyle's 19-goal top scorer Reuben Reid was booked for diving after going down under a challenge from Gillespie on a miserable afternoon for them.

Pilgrims boss John Sheridan showed his frustration by making a triple substitution on the hour, but even when Curtis Nelson forced a corner over the line late on it was disallowed and Carlisle were able see it out without further problems.