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Last-gasp goal sends Leeds into League One play-off final

15/05/2008

A last minute goal from Jonathan Howson has secured Leeds United a place in the League One play-off final after they beat Carlisle 3-2 on aggregate.

Leeds were trailing 2-1 from the first-leg at Elland Road, but a 10th minute goal from Howson got them on level terms and as the two teams prepared for extra time, Howson stepped up and curled in a 18-yard shot help Leeds to a 2-0 win on the night.

Carlisle had an impressive home record in the regular season as they won 17 of their home games – a record they shared with Premier League champions Manchester United. But it was Leeds who settled better as Carlisle played like a team who didn't quite know whether to attack or defend as they had a one goal lead.

The impressive Howson was instrumental in the first goal as he first spread the ball wide to Dougie Freedman before he collected the ball back of the veteran striker to chest the ball down and drill it home.

Leeds got extra confidence from the goal and dominated possession from there on in. Jermaine Beckford had a good chance to give Leeds the lead on aggregate, but his headed effort went inches wide of the Carlisle goal.

Freedman then had a golden chance to score as he latched onto a weak header back by Carlisle defender Evan Horwood. But Freedman was thwarted as he ran towards goal by Carlisle goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson had the only decent effort on goal for Carlisle, but his well-hit 12 yard shot was comfortably saved by Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankergren.

The second-half was a more cagy affair, but again it was Leeds who had the best efforts on goal. First Freedman saw his low shot superbly saved by Westwood, then Bradley Johnson saw his header come back off the post.

It was left to the 19-year-old Howson to win the tie for Leeds as he found space on the edge of the box and curled a fine effort past Westwood to secure a final berth for his team.