Blue Army: United were magnificent
Last updated 10:05, Wednesday, 14 May 2008
CARLISLE United’s Blue Army believe they are on the brink of glory as their heroes charge towards the Championship.
They chanted, cheered and jumped for joy as John Ward’s men defied many pundits’ predictions to take a 2-1 lead over Leeds United in last night’s League One play-off semi-final first leg.
And they are confident the Blues can finish the job off and take their place at Wembley – despite conceding a sickening injury-time goal – when Leeds visit Brunton Park in front of a likely sell-out crowd on Thursday night.
Thousands of faithful fans unable to travel and be part of the 36,000 crowd at Eland Road watched the game live on Sky Sports across Carlisle.
Many created an electric atmosphere by packing city pubs, from which Carlisle United flags were flown.
About 300 witnessed the action in Walkabout, Botchergate.
Jubilant Carlisle supporter Ste McTear, 23, declared as he celebrated at full-time: “The Blues are going up. Leeds were lucky to get their goal. We showed them how to play football. We can do this on Thursday – definitely. We are going to Wembley.”
Thursby’s Ryan Sutherland, 18, hailed goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as man of the match, saying: “He kept us in it the whole game.”
The Steadmans worker added: “It was a great game. Carlisle were the best side. We are going to Wembley – we destroyed Leeds. If it wasn’t for the referee, they wouldn’t have pulled a goal back. We will be ok on Thursday if we play like we did tonight.”
Bus driver John Marland, 21, of Morton Steet, Carlisle, was frustrated Leeds were given the time to pull one back, but said: “Leeds were rubbish. We were the best team and are going to Wembley. They have got to come to Carlisle now and come from behind.”
Another 100-odd fans watched the game at The Crown, Stanwix.
There, Stephen Harding, 20, of Stanwix, said: “It was a good result. I am happy with it. I am not too bothered that they scored late on. My man of the match was Chris Lumsden – he was superb. If we do the same again on Thursday, I think we will do this.”
There was a nervous excitement as Blues fans awaited the 7.45pm kick-off.
For many, to even be in a play-off final – against a team which has previously played in the Champions League semi-final before dramatically falling from grace – was a testament to United’s progress and rise from the lows of the Conference.
Adding to the atmosphere was the inclusion of Carlisle-born centre-half Paul Huntington in Leeds’ squad. He received a dubious response from the crowd. Former Brunton Park boss Neil McDonald – controversially sacked last August – is now a coach at Eland Road.
The Blue Army’s nerves eased as United made their mark with an impressive first-half performance which seemed to defy the formbook.
And they had plenty to cheer about and were chanting “we’re going up” after Simon Hackney’s volley deflected off Danny Graham and into the net to give Carlisle the lead.
Some inspirational saves from Westwood kept the Cumbrians in the game before United’s followers leapt from their seats again in the 50th minute when Marc Bridge-Wilkinson strengthened their lead with a second goal.
It wasn’t, sadly, all to be plain sailing and Dougie Freedman pulled one back during the sixth minute of stoppage time.
While the last-gasp goal frustrated United’s fans, it failed to dent their optimism.
Should Carlisle make it into the League One play-off final at Wembley on Sunday May 25, they will face either Southend or Doncaster. They had a goal-less first-leg last week with the second being played on Friday.
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