Richie Foran headed a crucial winner for Carlisle as they beat Bristol Rovers away from home in a battle of two teams aiming to beat the drop.

Rovers led through Giuliano Grazioli's 33rd-minute effort but were pegged back when Craig Farrell fired home from 15 yards just before the interval.

Foran was then poorly marked when nodding home a right-wing cross after 51 minutes to earn the visitors their win.

Carlisle midfielder Jon McCarthy's dismissal for his second bookable offence could not save the home side.

Grazioli headed badly wide for Rovers early on but Carlisle looked the more inventive side for most of a scrappy game.

The Cumbrians' goalkeeper Matt Glennon saved bravely from substitute David Gilroy in stoppage time and Ray Graydon's side were booed off by their disgruntled fans.

Bristol Rovers: Howie, Boxall, Uddin, Barrett, Austin, Carlisle, Astafjevs, Hyde, Street, Tait, Grazioli. Subs: Clarke, Bryant, Hogg, Gilroy, Parker.

Carlisle: Glennon, Shelley, Kelly, Murphy, Maddison, McCarthy, Summerbell, Hudson, Rundle, Foran, Farrell. Subs: Birch, McDonagh, Baldacchino, McGill, Russell.

Referee: G Barber (Hertfordshire)