Ben Kennedy strikes to give Stevenage victory at Carlisle

Posted Sunday, September 30, 2018 by PA

Stevenage extended their unbeaten run to four games when a second-half goal from Ben Kennedy enabled them to edge past a below-par Carlisle 1-0.

It was a second successive home defeat without scoring for the Cumbrians, whose late pressure failed to find a way through the visiting defensive ranks.

Stevenage had the best early opportunity when Danny Newton was inches off making contact with Emmanuel Sonupe’s ball from the right.

Luther Wildin came to Stevenage’s rescue with a magnificent block which prevented Richie Bennett from giving Carlisle an 18th minute lead. Bennett had another great chance a couple of minutes later, but this time drove his close range shot into the ground, giving Dieng the chance to gather on the bounce.

Adam Collin had to react sharply in the 32nd minute, diving to get an outstretched hand to foil Newton’s driven low 20-yarder.

The game was crying out for a goal and it arrived in the 56th minute, a fine effort by Kennedy who came in on his left foot to leave Collin helpless from the edge of the box.

Carlisle, sparked into a reaction, almost levelled two minutes later when substitute Adam Campbell got on the end of Jamie Devitt’s cross but hit the post with his header and all the home side’s late pressure was in vain.