Exeter City 2 Carlisle United 3: Carlisle United staged a dramatic comeback at Exeter to book their place in the League Two play-offs.

Jamie Proctor was the matchwinner, heading home a Tom Miller long throw in the 76th minute.

That was enough to seal sixth place for Keith Curle's side - and a rematch with the Grecians in the play-offs.

Danny Grainger had earlier equalised twice from the penalty spot after Reuben Reid and Jordan Moore-Taylor had scored for Exeter, as United kept their season alive.

Things got off to a bad start for the Blues when striker Reid was put clean through into space - and played onside - to slot past Mark Gillespie after just nine minutes.

The dangerous Ollie Watkins had a shot blocked before United responded, Proctor's shot deflecting against the crossbar.

Gillespie denied Reid on the counter-attack - before a foul on Proctor in the box was spotted by ref Stephen Martin, and captain Grainger blasted his spot-kick down the middle.

Both sides traded chances as the first half went on, Ryan Harley close for Exeter and Tom Miller having a header cleared off the line.

But United then went behind again on the stroke of half-time when a corner was flicked on and Moore-Taylor arrived in space to head home.

That put Carlisle's hopes in serious peril, with scores elsewhere sending them outside the play-off places.

But the Cumbrians, with James Bailey on at the break for Macaulay Gillesphey, rallied impressively, with Miller, Proctor and Bailey all going close as the Blues laid siege to the home box.

Michael Raynes was also denied by keeper Christy Pym, while Grainger blocked a goalbound attempt at the other end.

Jabo Ibehre then appeared to pull up with a hamstring injury, to be replaced by Shaun Miller.

As their search for a goal went on Carlisle were staring at play-off heartbreak - but after John O'Sullivan also came off the bench, they got a lifeline on 72 minutes, when Proctor was again tripped in the box.

Grainger held his nerve for a second time and sent Pym the wrong way to make it 2-2.

United, attacking a packed away end, then struck again four minutes later in dramatic style.

And Proctor was in the right place to meet a Tom Miller long throw and nod past Pym.

The loanee could have made it four moments later, but Pym was equal to his chipped finish.

Exeter squandered a late free-kick, before the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the 735 travelling fans.

United will now host Exeter at Brunton Park in the semi-final first leg next Sunday night at 6.30pm, with the second leg back at St James' Park the following Thursday at 7.45pm.

Exeter: Pym, Brown, Sweeney, Moore-Taylor, Ampadu, James (Tillson 70), Harley (Croll 70), Taylor (Grant 80), Wheeler, Watkins, Reid. Subs: Olejnik, Holmes, McAlinden, Stacey.

United: Gillespie, Liddle, Raynes, Gillesphey (Bailey 46), T Miller, Grainger, Joyce (O'Sullivan 71), Devitt, Adams, Ibehre (S Miller 67), Proctor. Subs: Crocombe, Tomlinson, Lambe, Waring.