Leeds United v Carlisle United: Elland Road holds no fear as Abbott plots cup upset

Johnstone's Paint Trophy

WHEN Jonny Howson's stoppage-time shot trickled beyond the outstretched hand of Carlisle United goalkeeper Keiren Westwood to send Leeds United to Wembley, Greg Abbott admits to being left in a daze.

Just a few seconds earlier, the Cumbrians' then assistant manager had been planning for extra time and the possibility of a penalty shoot-out after two titanic tussles had, it seemed, failed to settle an absorbing play-off semi-final.

Carlisle had triumphed 2-1 at Elland Road only for an early strike by Howson to bring the scores level in the return so, when the Leeds-born midfielder struck for a second time in the 91st minute, Abbott admits the crushing sense of disappointment left him feeling as low as he could recall.

Fast forward 20 months, however, and Abbott – now manager at Burnton Park following John Ward's sacking three months into last season – has a chance for redemption as Carlisle prepare to take on the West Yorkshire club over two legs with the prize at stake once again being a trip to Wembley.

Speaking ahead of tonight's tie at Elland Road, the 46-year-old who spent seven years coaching at the Leeds Academy told the Yorkshire Post: "It is a game we are looking forward to massively as getting to Wembley is a huge incentive.

"There are not too many opportunities for clubs from Leagues One and Two to get there so everyone at the club is aware just what is at stake."

Asked if the heartbreaking manner of Carlisle's Wembley hopes being dashed in May 2008 would be an added incentive, Abbott replied: "No, I don't think revenge will come into it.

"Don't get me wrong, losing to Leeds in the play-offs was a massive blow. It was one of the lowest points of my career, and certainly the lowest since going into coaching. I felt like I was in a daze.

"We played ever so well over both legs but, unfortunately, Leeds were also terrific. We were 2-0 up at Leeds in the first game only to concede (when Dougie Freedman scored) in the 95th minute. To then concede the winner so late at Carlisle just made it even worse.

"It was a horrible feeling, and similar to what happened (in 1988) when I was at Bradford City and we lost in the play-offs. We had finished third in the old Second Division, which a couple of years earlier would have seen us promoted to the top flight, and then lost after extra time to Middlesbrough.

"The feelings I experienced at the final whistle that night were similar to when Leeds knocked us out of the play-offs.

"Just the thought of getting to Wembley is incentive enough. It would be great for the players and also the club's finances."

Carlisle will travel to Leeds in confident mood having won at Elland Road on two of their last three visits and drawn the other.

Few could argue that the Cumbrians have been worth such an impressive return, either, with United fortunate in that their goal in last September's 1-1 draw came courtesy of a hugely debatable penalty award that Jermaine Beckford missed only to net the rebound.

Abbott's protests led to him being sent to the stand where he saw Scott Dobie net a deserved equaliser to end a club record 15-game winning run on home soil.

The Carlisle manager, whose side remain the last team to win in the league at Elland Road following their 2-0 triumph 12 months ago, said: "We have a good record against Leeds and going to Elland Road seems to bring the best out of the players.

"We have proved in the past there is nothing to fear in going to Leeds and this game will be no different. We have been in decent form lately and only lost four out of 16. We weren't at our best on Saturday when we lost

3-1 at Brentford but, hopefully, that was where we got the cobwebs off after being without a game for so long."

Carlisle have an impressive pedigree in a competition that began in 1983 as the Associate Members' Cup, having reached the final four times and lifted the trophy in 1997 when it was the Auto Windscreens Shield.

Abbott added: "The aim for both teams is making sure there is something to play in the second leg. I am sure whatever the result, there will be no celebrations from either set of players at the final whistle."

Last six games: Leeds United WWWWDL, Carlisle United DWWDLL.

Last time: Leeds United 1 Carlisle United 1; September 29, 2009; League One.

Referee: A Penn (West Midlands).