That’s why they call them the Blues – United bow out to Leeds
Last updated 11:17, Friday, 16 May 2008
HEARTBROKEN Carlisle fans watched as their Wembley dream disappeared during a nail-biting play-off semi-final second leg at Brunton Park last night.
A nightmare start saw Leeds score an early goal before they added a second late on to consign The Blues to another season in League One.
Carlisle put up a brave fight against their Yorkshire opposition but finally lost 2-0, with an aggregate score of 3-2.
A crowd of 12,873 entered Brunton Park with loyal supporters carrying banners and waving flags.
The fans generated a wall of noise from kick-off until the final touch as The Blues attempted to secure their third Wembley appearance.
And a season of promise turned to disappointment as Leeds fans roared in ecstasy at the final whistle.
Home supporters who were already preparing for the trip to the capital on May 25 have been forced to cancel their plans.
Carlisle were on course for a record-equalling fourth promotion in three seasons and would have taken another step toward to their return to the second tier of English football after an absence of more than 20 years.
Brunton Park was heaving as around 1,600 Leeds fans were packed into the Waterworks End, with the rest of the ground a sea of blue, red and white.
Traffic problems and crowd trouble in some areas of the city before the game added to the electric atmosphere – although police dealt with troublemakers quickly and supporters mingled outside the ground.
Ticketless fans were removed from the stands and minor incidents tackled by a strong police presence.
Inside, the atmosphere became more hostile, with fans barracking Carlisle-born Paul Huntington on his return to Brunton Park.
The youngster, who outraged fans with his antics at Elland Road, was booed every time he touched the ball.
During the first half Leeds built pressure and Carlisle struggled to dominate as they had at Elland Road. And the second half was much the same with Leeds creating more chances.
At the end fans roused themselves to console their heroes – well-deserved after a season where success came so close.
Police made 12 arrests before the match and in the 30 minutes after the final whistle.
