This was the moment Carlisle United fans poured onto the pitch to celebrate the play-off victory over Bradford City.

The final whistle at Brunton Park triggered huge celebrations among home fans.

United's 3-1 extra-time win over the Bantams, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory, sent the Blues to Wembley.

As ref Simon Mather blew the whistle for the end of the game, supporters in the 15,401 crowd - a record Brunton Park attendance in the play-offs - invaded the pitch from all sides of the ground.

Many of United's players were mobbed with stars including home-city favourite Owen Moxon lifted onto fans' shoulders.

The jubilant scenes followed Carlisle's achievement of reaching a Football League play-off final for the first time.

A small number of home fans carried smoke devices onto the pitch during the invasion, while a line of police officers prevented some Blues fans from getting closer to the 1,948 travelling Bradford supporters.

News and Star: Paul Simpson embraces his staff amid the post-match scenesPaul Simpson embraces his staff amid the post-match scenes (Image: Ben Holmes)

Before the game had ended, the public address announcer at Brunton Park had issued a message to discourage fans from coming onto the pitch, as many fans climbed over the stand walls to line up in preparation.

Amid the memorable scenes that followed, some fans were then urged to stop jumping on the dugouts.

The pitch eventually cleared as celebrations continued outside the ground.

Once the dust had settled on an unforgettable Blues occasion, there were some quieter moments of reflection by some of Carlisle's heroes...