A last-gasp goal from Dougie Freedman has given United a lifeline in the quest to earn a place in the League One final on May 25.

It means that Gary McAllister's side trail by just a solitary goal going into the return at Brunton Park rather than a much more daunting margin.

And Prutton, who was in the Nottingham Forest side who won 2-0 at Yeovil Town in the first leg of last season's play-off semi-finals only to go on and lose 5-4 on aggregate, believes the impetus could be with United thanks to Freedman's '96th minute' strike on Monday.

He said: "I saw a similar situation last season and I don't think there's any reason for us to feel downbeat at all.

"Even at 2-0 down, I wasn't worried. Not at all. There is still another game to go, and I don't think you ever look at a 2-0 lead and think it is over.

"That is especially true of me because I was in the opposite position last season and saw how easily a lead can vanish.

"Even if we had been 2-0 up (at the end of the first leg), I would be feeling exactly the same because a game over two legs is never settled after 90 minutes.

"I know people talk about having one foot in the final and all that, but it is not the case. I doubt there are any teams who go into a match with a small lead thinking it is done and dusted.

"There is never any over-celebration, and I don't think you saw that from Carlisle."

Both managers agree with Prutton's assessment that the tie is far from over ahead of tomorrow's return at Brunton Park where Carlisle will be looking to repeat their 3-1 triumph over United in November.

McAllister said: "The goal has kept us in the tie. Even at 2-0, I thought we might be capable of making them work hard up there, but now I think it is a different picture.

"I have a feeling it will go right to the final minute of the tie. It will be exciting up there. I wasn't here when we went up to Carlisle, but I believe we played very well in the first half and them in the second.

"Carlisle are the home side. Do they try and protect it? Do they try and score?"

Carlisle manager John Ward was understandably delighted with his side's efforts, though he did add that anyone believing his side are already at Wembley better think again.

He said: "By no means, is this finished. I don't think there is any advantage of playing at home in the second leg.

"We go into the second game with the expectancy on us. It was on Leeds (last Monday) but now we are expected by our supporters to win.

"That is a challenge for our players."

Goals from Danny Graham and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson had put Carlisle in charge at Elland Road before Freedman's late, late goal ensured the majority of the 36,291 went home with at least some hope of Leeds battling their way back into the tie.

Prutton added: "If you look at the overall performance (on Monday) I thought it was really good.

"They had their little spells where they did well but their goalkeeper (Keiran Westwood) had a great game and he was exceptional all the way through.

"We tested him on a good number of occasions and I think his saves in the first half were pretty crucial because we looked like we were going to score on a couple of occasions.

"Fair play to him because he came to Elland Road and performed in pretty difficult circumstances.

"I would say that at times in the final third we weren't as good or as accurate as we would have wanted to be, and we lacked a little bit of quality that we needed. But that happens.

"To get the goal at the end was fantastic.

"It has given everyone a real lift at a crucial time.

"We have had a few good games against each other this season and I don't think anyone can predict what will happen on Thursday."

Matt Heath has become the first summer departure from Leeds after agreeing a permanent switch to Colchester United.

The defender spent the final few months of last season on loan at Layer Road.