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Late Freedman strike hands Leeds lifeline

12/05/2008

Dougie Freedman scored in the 95th minute to give Leeds United a lifeline in their League One playoff semi-final first leg against Carlisle United at Elland Road.

The visitors won 2-1 and should be favourites to progress to Wembley after a superb display but Leeds will hope to build on Freedman's strike in the second leg.

A deflected goal by Danny Graham gave Carlisle the lead midway through the first half and they extended their advantage when Marc Bridge-Wilkinson struck in the second period, only for Freedman to save Leeds' blushes.

Bridge-Wilkinson nearly gave the Cumbrians the perfect start but his volley came back off the woodwork.

The two sides continued to push forward and both goalkeepers were called upon to make saves. Keiren Westwood made fine stops to deny Freedman and Jermaine Beckford while Graham had a header saved at the other end.

However, he soon helped his side into the lead – although he knew little about it. Leeds failed to clear their lines following a free-kick and when Simon Hackney sent a shot back towards goal it deflected off Graham's back, wrong-footing Casper Ankergren.

After the break Westwood continued to keep Leeds at bay, making another important save against Beckford as the striker shot from close-range.

Westwood's heroics enabled Carlisle more freedom up front and they took full advantage when Bridge-Wilkinson finished off a flowing move to tap home Evan Horwood's cross and make it 2-0.

Having given themselves a cushion Carlisle then sat back on their lead allowing Leeds to put them under pressure.

Freedman finally found a way past Westwood when a free-kick found him at the far post and he put the ball through the goalkeeper's legs.

But Leeds will face a tough challenge in the second leg as Carlisle have the best home record in the division.