Paul Simpson has been snubbed for the League Two manager of the month award for March.
Despite Carlisle United's superb form under Simpson last month, the SkyBet award has gone to Bristol Rovers' Joey Barton.
The two teams had identical records in March, winning five games and losing two.
But despite Simpson inspiring a dramatic revival in a relegation battle at Brunton Park - and beating Barton's side in the process - the prize has gone to the Memorial Stadium boss.
The news, likely to be met with dismay among Cumbrians fans, denies United their first manager of the month award since Keith Curle in October 2016.
Barton has led Bristol Rovers to fifth in the table.
READ MORE: Carlisle United's Paul Simpson shortlisted for League Two manager of the month award
But the Pirates came a cropper at Brunton Park last month when Kristian Dennis's goal earned Carlisle a memorable 1-0 win.
That joined victories over Rochdale, Oldham Athletic, Barrow and Northampton Town in a highly impressive first full month back at the helm for 55-year-old Simmo.
It is not the first time a United figure has been controversially overlooked for a monthly prize.
Back in August 2015 Jabo Ibehre was snubbed in favour of Leyton Orient's Dean Cox despite a stunning goalscoring start to the League Two season.
The snub rankled with Blues fans for many years - and last season BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips righted the wrong by having an alternative player of the month trophy engraved for Ibehre.
Now they are left to rue another snub despite Simpson, since taking charge in late February, taking Carlisle from the relegation zone to 13 points clear and close to survival.
Judges highlighted Bristol Rovers' defensive record in their citation on Barton, saying: "Lost amid his side’s relentless drive into the play-off positions with another five wins from seven games has been the solid foundation on which he has built Rovers’ momentum. They kept four clean sheets and conceded just three goals."
The award judges are former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, EFL communications director Mark Rowan, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies. The other nominees were Matt Taylor, manger of United's next opponents Exeter City, and Salford City's Gary Bowyer.
Barton said: “I’m delighted to win manager of the month. It’s a collective win for our group and testament to the hard work put in by staff and players.
“The players in particular have continued to improve and as we enter the championship rounds, we must capitalise on our momentum and continue to turn up and pay our dues everyday if we are to get what we want from this season.”
Danny Wilson added: “Joey Barton’s men had a super return of points to continue a very impressive consistent run of form. 15 points came from their seven games, only conceding three goals, gives them a deserved place in the play-off positions in March.”
Barton's award from the League, meanwhile, comes just weeks after the 39-year-old appeared in court charged with assaulting his wife Georgia.
The trial had been due to start on March 18 but was adjourned until June 23 after Mrs Barton wrote a letter to prosecutors claiming she was injured accidentally.
The League Two player of the month is Leyton Orient's Ruel Sotiriou. Carlisle did not receive a player nomination despite their fine March form.
Simpson's United take on second-placed Exeter at Brunton Park tomorrow.
READ MORE: Carlisle United 1-0 Bristol Rovers - as it happened!
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