Last updated 21:27, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

JOHN Ward urged his Carlisle United players to live up to their favourites tag as they aim to complete a memorable play-off victory over Leeds on Thursday.

The United boss saw his side stun Leeds at Elland Road on Monday night and the 2-1 win puts the Cumbrians in the box seat going into the semi-final second leg. Ward, however, dismissed claims that the Cumbrians will gain a big advantage from playing the crucial return leg at Brunton Park, despite United boasting League One’s best home record over the 46-game season.

“I don’t think any advantage can come by where you’re going to play,” said the manager. “It’s just a bit more familiar to us.

“We now go into it with the expectancy on us. It was on Leeds in the first leg but we are expected to win now.

“That’s another challenge to accept and see if we can deal with it.”

Ward said Simon Hackney, whose shot deflected off Danny Graham to put United ahead, would be fit for Thursday’s game despite being substituted after a knock in the second half.

Leeds, meanwhile, should have Jermaine Beckford fit after he was replaced soon after the break.

The Elland Road top scorer was playing his first game for a month after an ankle injury which was “a bit sore” according to boss Gary McAllister.

Ward, who reverted to a lone striker system last night and saw his tactics pay huge dividends, said there was no need to be downcast after Dougie Freedman’s late lifeline goal for Leeds.

“My team are disappointed, but we’ve seen enough to know that this Leeds team is a threat and I can’t deny them their goal," he said.

“That’s life, it’s what makes football exciting. But if someone had said to me at 6pm we could have a goal start going back to Elland Road, I would have thanked them very much and stayed on the bus,” he said.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the way we’ve played and the way the game’s gone. These are two very good teams and by no means do I think this is finished. There is a cracking game ahead on Thursday.

“This is the third time we’ve been close with Leeds over the season and that pleases me immensely.”