Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor saluted matchwinner Scott Sinclair after he clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sky Bet League One’s basement side Carlisle.
The 34-year-old former Celtic forward struck a stunning second-half goal that capped an impressive comeback after the Cumbrians took a shock lead through Josh Vela’s volley after 16 minutes.
Veteran striker Chris Martin equalised from close range before the break following brilliant approach play by Jevani Brown before Sinclair had the final say after 51 minutes, cutting in before unleashing a shot that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Taylor, who watched the game from the stand due to a touchline suspension, said: “I didn’t like being away from the touchline at all, apart from Scott’s goal because I was sat directly behind it as the ball flew in.
“It was the one blessing of being up in the stands that I got such a great view of a great goal and a real moment of quality.
“He’s so difficult to play against because he’s right-footed on the left, but it was one hell of a finish and I’m really pleased for Scotty.”
Sinclair’s long-term future is in doubt with his current deal due to expire at the end of this season, but he has certainly given Taylor plenty to think about.
“In terms of his intent, every single day Scott is a truly model professional which is why he’s had such a good career,” Taylor said.
“And he’s doing it out of his love for football and the club itself. He’s been out of the fold a bit this season in terms of personnel and formations.
“But he’s kept himself where he needs to be in terms of fitness and in training his impact has been absolutely excellent for a senior player.
“Now I wouldn’t say he’s come back to life, but he’s taken his chance and he’s contributed.
“Also, in terms of the fragile nature of the squad you need seniority there and ones like Scott who trust the game more and won’t get affected by being 1-0 down.
“I’m delighted for him and now we’ve got to look after him because he was stretching his calves towards the end, but the pitch is so heavy it would test anyone.”
Carlisle manager Paul Simpson took consolation from seeing his players raise their game following a crushing 4-0 defeat at home to Cambridge in midweek.
“It was a vast improvement on last week but sadly we’ve come away with nothing again,” Simpson said.
“I think we’ve been done by a real bit of quality for the equaliser and the second goal is disappointing because it’s not really come from anything.
“We have allowed him (Sinclair) to come inside and get a shot on target when we’ve got to send him down the line which is simple defending.”
Simpson added: “We’ve had goalscoring opportunities in the scramble in the six-yard box after a corner at 1-1 and you have to stick that in the back of the net.
“We’ve had two or three bites at the cherry and not been able to score.
“I’m disappointed that we’ve lost the game but the way the players went about their work today was much better than our last outing.
“And there were some good passages of play where we got into some good areas but we just weren’t able to apply the finish for ourselves.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Gyokeres vs Madueke Man Utd : Hey Arteta !! Come and take a look at our shop. EPL transfer market Thoughts Lionel Messi Never had a PRIME. His Entire Career is PRIME! Toni Kroos: “I’m not going back, and Real Madrid knows it.. " Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur be like.. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Ju...
Marcus Rashford could be edging closer to a Man Utd exit.Juventus want to sign Marcus Rashford. Juventus want to sign Marcus Rashford this summer and have made the wantaway Manchester United forward their priority transfer target, according to reports. The Serie A giants join Barcelona in the frame as Rashford prepares to leave United permanently after around two decades at the club.Juventus have ...
The two clubs were close to doing business last summer - could that be the same case this time around?Alexander Isak has been linked to a Newcastle exitLiverpool and Newcastle United could find themselves tangled up in a transfer tug-of-war for the second consecutive summer. Rewind 12 months and the pair were reportedly close to agreeing a move that would’ve seen two big-name stars transfer ...
AC Milan are reportedly evaluating a group of six forwards as potential additions to bolster their attack ahead of the new season, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson among the names under serious consideration. Despite Chelsea maintaining a firm stance that the striker is not for sale unless a substantial offer is made, Milan are confident Jackson may be attainable, especially given the player&#...
Brentford win race to bring Henderson back to Premier LeagueJordan Henderson is set for a Premier League return, with Brentford winning the race to sign the 35-year-old former Liverpool captain. Following his short stint at Ajax, Henderson prioritised a move back to England, and will join the Bees on a two-year deal. The free agent completed his medical over the weekend, with an official announcem...
Chelsea FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier LeagueChelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is reportedly set for a £25 million ($34m) Bournemouth move with a five-year contract in the works after the two clubs reached a "total agreement". The move comes after Bournemouth accelerated talks with Chelsea earlier this week as they seek to fill the void left by Kepa Arrizabalaga’s return to Stamford B...
Liga MX preview Toluca begins its title defense, América aims to reclaim the throne, and Cruz Azul builds a dream team.FBL-MEX-TIGRES-TOLUCAKey matchups to watchThe wait is over - the Apertura 2025 kicks off this weekend with a triple-header featuring Puebla vs Atlas, FC Juárez vs América, and Tijuana vs Querétaro. This season promises high-level action as Liga MX clubs continu...
Levi Colwill Chelsea Nottingham ForestChelsea defender Levi Colwill is confident that the Blues can beat PSG in the Club World Cup final, as they are 'not Inter Milan or Real Madrid'.WHAT HAPPENED?Chelsea face PSG in the Club World Cup final on Sunday and the Ligue 1 giants are in truly incredible form. Having won the Champions League final with a stunning 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan, they then th...
Lionel Messi Kylian Mbappe Club World Cup 2025 trophyThe ultimate guide to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. FIFA has rolled out a brand new format for the Club World Cup, with the 2025 edition marking the beginning of an overhaul that will shake up club football across the globe.In recent years, the Club World Cup has been a highly exclusive tournament, with just seven teams from six confederations t...
CWC Top 7 playersGOAL takes a look at the seven best players of the tournament, including big moments from Saudi Arabia and Brazil starsThe Club World Cup final is set: Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain take the pitch on Sunday, with a champion set to be crowned in FIFA's expanded 32-team competition.As the tournament comes to a close, it's time to highlight some specific player performances. Al Hil...
- 1 Lionesses captain Leah Williamson strips down to her underwear
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 New coach confirms Modric move to Milan
- 4 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 5 From Maura to Maya, the stars show swimwear with sky-high cuts
- 6 Dominic Calvert-Lewin in talks with Newcastle as Man United circle
- 7 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club
- 8 DAZN sports host nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction at CWC
- 9 Everton sign Villarreal striker Barry: The fans here are like crazy people, I like this!
- 10 Bayern Munich lay out terms for Luis Diaz