Wembley dream dies for beaten Blues

By Keir Mudie

Last updated 11:39, Friday, 16 May 2008

HEARTBROKEN Carlisle fans watched as their Wembley dream disappeared during a nail-biting play-off semi-final second leg at Brunton Park last night.

Dejected: United’s Chris Lumsdon reflects after the second-leg defeat against Leeds at Brunton Park

A nightmare start saw Leeds score an early goal before they added a second late on to consign the Blues to another season in League One.

Carlisle put up a brave fight but finally lost 2-0, with an aggregate score of 3-2, missing out on a third Wembley appearance and the chance of a record-equalling fourth promotion in three seasons.

A crowd of 12,873, including 1,600 Leeds fans, created a wall of noise throughout the tense match.

Traffic problems and crowd trouble in some areas of the city before the game added to the electric atmosphere – although police dealt with troublemakers quickly.

Ticketless fans were removed from the stands and minor incidents tackled by a strong police presence.

Police made 14 arrests, mainly for low level public disorder. One of those arrested was from Wakefield and 13 were from Carlisle.

Chief Superintendent Andy Davidson, who led the police operation, today said it had been a success. He said there was no large scale disorder.

“There was real potential for trouble given that both teams had a lot at stake, but it was pleasing to see that the vast majority recognised that both teams had done well throughout the season and on the night,” he said.

“The small amount of trouble was alcohol fuelled and we will now prosecute offenders and apply for football banning orders.”

Sport: pages 30-32