James Belshaw - 8
Made a fine save to paw away Brennan Dickenson's diving header after the half hour, and he made an inspired stop with his feet after the break to deny Kristian Dennis from point-blank range. Dennis did hit the back of the net a few moments later, but Belshaw was blameless as a block fell kindly for the striker in the six-yard box.
Luca Hoole - 4
Made several crucial defensive clearances but had to do more to stop Patrick from bursting past him in the build-up to the goal. The striker breezed past him on the byline to create the chance that won the game.
Connor Taylor - 7
Defended impressively up against the hard running of Patrick, marshalling the striker well. Good performance in a losing cause.
James Connolly - 6
Made a horrible decision in the second half that gifted Dennis a chance, but he made several good blocks and was doubly unlucky. His block fell perfectly for Dennis to tap in and he then had a header cleared off the line.
Harry Anderson - 6
Brought the energy in the first half, injecting pace into Rovers' attacks. Defended credibly after being tasked with the left-back job in Nick Anderton's absence.
Paul Coutts (c) - 6
Managed possession well and one first-half pass split the defence to create a good opportunity for Rovers. Taken off with Rovers chasing the game.
Glenn Whelan - 6
Similarly to Coutts, had plenty of touches of the ball and hooked one good pass in behind to create a chance, but he was surplus to requirements when Rovers pushed for a goal and was taken off.
Sam Nicholson - 4
Was put under intense physical pressure and had a difficult first half, getting little sympathy from referee Andy Haines. A few glimpses of his quality showed, but there was not enough product from the winger.
Sam Finley - 5
Ought to have done better with a first-half opportunity, but a slack second touch made the shot awkward and he could only poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Drove Rovers forward in their best periods after the break but it was a frustrating afternoon when nothing quite came off.
Elliot Anderson - 6
The producer of Rovers' best moments in the first half, creating chances for himself and teammates, but Rovers were not clinical. Anderson faded after the break, with a shot that ballooned high over the bar and out of the stadium summing up Rovers' afternoon. Did muster a last-gasp chance deep into stoppage time but his cross somehow travelled across the goalmouth and out to safety for the hosts
Aaron Collins - 4
Really struggled to get into the contest as a striker. Did not always get the best service, to be fair, but was sensibly moved out wide in the second half. Got more touches, but could not produce the moment Rovers needed.
Substitutes
Harvey Saunders (for Nicholson on 65') - 6
Brought something different with his express pace in behind. Unlucky not to snatch an equaliser at the death from Anderson's cross after it took a nick off a Carlisle foot.
Leon Clarke (for Whelan on 65') - 5
Brought a focal point to Rovers' game, giving them the chance to win second balls higher up the pitch, but his touch let him down a few times.
Luke Thomas (for Coutts on 84') - 5
Played with energy, but his delivery into the box was slightly off. Had a tough chance to score and was denied by Mark Howard.
Not used: Jed Ward, Cian Harries, Trevor Clarke, Ryan Loft.
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