Simon Grayson's men did, however, go mightily close with two goals in the final 10 minutes by Jason Crowe and Mike Grella sending the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final to penalties.

It was at the end of the gripping shoot-out that Carlisle finally exacted revenge for their 2008 play-off heartache by prevailing 6-5.

Goalkeeper Adam Collin was the hero with two excellent saves to keep out efforts from Bradley Johnson and S 2 Leeds United 3hane Lowry, the latter proving decisive due to the shoot-out having moved into sudden death.

In contrast, Casper Ankergren was unable to stop any of Carlisle's penalties with the only blemish on the home side's 100 per cent record from the spot being when Richard Keogh blazed over.

Such a heartbreaking exit was harsh on Leeds after their second-half heroics and manager Simon Grayson was justifiably proud of his team.

He said: "Once it goes to penalties, it is a lottery. I actually thought we might win it when the board came up to show there would be five minutes of stoppage time. Unfortunately, it didn't prove to be the case but credit to my players for fighting back like they did."

In contrast to their heroics after the break, Leeds had been unusually off the pace in the opening 45 minutes.

Neil Kilkenny's absence from the starting line-up had again been keenly felt as the visitors struggled to make inroads against a Carlisle side with five men strung across midfield.

With neither Jonny Howson nor Michael Doyle able to match the Australian's passing ability, it meant United were unable to build up any sustained periods of pressure. In fact, the most common sight of the first half was Max Gradel, displaying all the braking power of a Toyota Prius, being flagged offside.

The lackadaisical approach of the visitors meant Carlisle, knowing a draw would be sufficient to reach Wembley, were able to settle far quicker.

Evan Horwood brought a save from Ankergren inside the first minute and the Danish goalkeeper had to act smartly to swat away Graham Kavanagh's free-kick.

Carlisle deservedly took the lead on 33 minutes when Scott Dobie's tenacity ensured the ball found Adam Clayton, who finished with aplomb from just inside the Leeds penalty area.

As if stung into action, Grayson's men responded with an intelligent move that unfortunately for Leeds culminated in a weak shot from Gary McSheffrey.

Just 40 seconds into the second half, United snatched a lifeline when Robert Snodgrass capitalised on uncertainty in the Carlisle defence to score an equaliser.

Suddenly, nerves were apparent among the 9,430 crowd as Leeds took charge.

First, McSheffrey had what seemed a good shout for a penalty turned down before Gradel's volley was bravely blocked by Danny Livesey.

United then had the ball in the net courtesy of a diving header from Jason Crowe after Becchio had guided Snodgrass's cross into his path only for the linesman to flag for offside.

It was a huge let-off for Carlisle who responded admirably by restoring their two-goal aggregate lead in the 72nd minute, albeit courtesy of a horrendous mistake by defender Lubomir Michalik.

Faced with the seemingly simple task of clearing upfield, the Slovak missed the ball completely to present possession to Kevan Hurst who made no mistake in sweeping the ball past Ankergren.

The game seemed up only for Leeds to dig deep and level the scores on the night once again when Crowe was in the right position to convert McSheffrey's cross.

Grella then forced the tie to penalties with a deft 87th-minute header to capitalise on a sublime cross from Johnson but, it all proved to be in vain, as Carlisle triumphed to book a Wembley final date against Southampton on March 28.

Carlisle: Collin; Keogh, Livesey, Harte, Horwood; Hurst, Clayton, Kavanagh (Taiwo 73), Thirlwell, Robson; Dobie (Madine 79). Unused substitutes: Pidgeley, Murphy, Offiong.

Leeds United: Ankergren; Crowe, Naylor (Grella 79), Michalik, Lowry; Gradel, Howson (Johnson 66), Doyle (Kilkenny 66), McSheffrey; Snodgrass; Becchio. Unused substitutes: Martin, Bromby.

Referee: A Hall (West Midlands).