High and mighty Leeds heading for a fall, says Murphy
Last updated 08:10, Friday, 09 May 2008
PETER Murphy, Carlisle United’s last play-off hero, believes Leeds’ “arrogance” could cost them when the two sides clash in next week’s League One semi-finals.
Murphy claims comments from Leeds players like Bradley Johnson, who said the Yorkshire club were “happy with Carlisle” as their play-off opponents, could backfire on Gary McAllister’s men next Monday and Thursday.
United’s Irish international defender was the Blues’ matchwinner in 2005 when he headed the only goal of the Conference play-off final against Stevenage.
He is one of seven Carlisle players still remaining from their non-league days and who will play a key role in next week’s massive televised double-header, starting at Elland Road on Monday (kick-off 7.45pm).
And the long-serving Dubliner says John Ward’s side will be out to leap on any complacency from their opponents.
“Leeds will probably say they’re happy to be playing anybody, because they don’t think they should be in this league,” Murphy said.
“Hopefully that little bit of arrogance will play a part and work in our favour, and if we do get promoted it will be all the better.
“Leeds have got a very good squad and we know we will have to step up our game. You expect to play good sides in the play-offs. But that’s where Leeds are disrespecting us a little bit, saying they are happy to play us.
“According to Leeds everything has gone against them this season, they shouldn’t be in this league, the 15 points deduction and so on.
“If Leeds are such a big club, and if we are the underdogs, that’s the way it’s got to be. Everyone is expecting them to win and there’s no pressure on us.”
Murphy believes a strong defensive effort from United at Elland Road – where Carlisle lost 3-2 last month – will be crucial in keeping the tie alive ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Brunton Park (kick-off 7.45pm).
“In the first half there the other week we saw the first 20 minutes through, playing quite well, then we took the lead and their fans got on their backs a bit,” said the 27-year-old.
“If we had done that for the start of the second half it would have been a totally different story, but it wasn’t to be.
“That has got to be the plan this time because they will have 40,000 fans and if we can keep them quiet, and maybe get them on their players’ backs, then we’ll see how good they are. We’ll see if they can handle the pressure. We feel like we owe them one from that game.”
Murphy will be partnered in defence by Danny Livesey on Monday after the former Bolton man served a one-match ban on the last day of the league season, when Carlisle’s automatic promotion bid ended after a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
Club captain Paul Thirlwell is also pressing for a call-up in midfield as Ward considers reverting to a 4-5-1 system to stifle Leeds on their home ground.
Murphy believes his team-mates’ big-game experience will be a factor as they bid to upset the odds and reach the May 25 Wembley final against Doncaster or Southend, who play their semi-final first leg at Roots Hall tonight.
“We’ve had the finals at the Millennium Stadium and at Stoke and I think they stand us in good stead,” said the centre-half.
“We walk into the club reception every day and see two big posters with photos of our last two promotions. It gives you a bit of confidence to know we have done it before, and we’d love to have another one.
“These are games to look forward to rather than be thinking there’s a lot of pressure. When you go out and look at the stadium, seeing your fans shouting and bawling for you, there has to be that adrenalin rush.
“If we get any type of result on Monday it can only benefit us because then we’ll know exactly what we have to do in front of a full house of our own fans.
“Everybody wants to play at Wembley and hopefully we can get there. But there’s still a long way to go.”
