Carlisle United 2 Doncaster Rovers 1: Rare taste of defeat for Ferguson's men

Goals in either half did the damage for Darren Ferguson’s side, who remain top of Skybet League Two thanks to Plymouth’s defeat at home to Leyton Orient.

Rovers, who recalled veteran James Coppinger to the starting line-up, saw top scorer John Marquis blast over early on before the 18-goal striker again fluffed his lines soon after.

That profligacy was then punished by the hosts when Nicky Adams smashed past Ian Lawlor at the back-post to give Carlisle the lead on 34 minutes.

Lawlor then did well to keep out Reggie Lambe with a fine save but he made an arguably even better save after the break. The former Manchester City stopper showed his agility as he kept out Shaun Brisley.

Despite that reprieve Carlisle eventually got their second goal and it was a cruel blow for Rovers.

Substitute striker Jabo Ibehre’s shot took a hefty deflection off Doncaster defender Niall Mason and trickled into the net.

Rovers reduced the arrears through Tommy Rowe’s header in stoppage time. And they almost secured a draw but first Rowe failed to make a proper connection to a cross before Conor Grant’s effort was saved.

Carlisle United : Gillespie, Liddle, Raynes, Brisley, Gillesphey, Jones, Joyce, Lambe, O’Sullivan (Devitt 70), Adams (Bailey 90), Proctor (Ibehre 76) Unused substitutes: Bacon, Miller, Miller, Waring

Doncaster Rovers: Lawlor, Blair, Wright, Alcock, Mason, Houghton, Coppinger, Grant, Rowe, Williams (May 72), Marquis. Unused substitutes: Etheridge, Butler, McSheffrey, Middleton, Keegan, Evina.

Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).