Ward magnanimous in defeat

Carlisle boss hails his side after they lose to a last-gasp goal

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 15th May 2008

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Ward: Cruel defeat

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Carlisle boss John Ward was magnanimous in defeat after a last-gasp Jonny Howson goal saw Leeds beat the Cumbrians 2-0 to advance into the League One play-off final.

Howson opened the scoring in the tenth minute with an effort from a Dougie Freedman cross.

Carlisle had several chances but Freedman and Howson again combined in the dying seconds to give Leeds a deserved win.

The Yorkshire side won 3-2 on aggregate to set up a Wembley show-down with either Doncaster or Southend.

"It can be a cruel game sometimes and it has been a bit cruel to us tonight," Ward told Sky Sports 1.

Good go

"That's life, we have given it a real good go and we have given Carlisle United and the citizens of Carlisle a team to be proud of.

"If anything, you just probably steel yourselves together when this sort of dies away and see if we can improve upon it next season."

Leeds were much improved in the second leg after they lost 2-1 to the Cumbrians at Elland Road on Monday.

Ward added: "It is a good Leeds side. They had to play better than they did on Monday or we would have beaten them which we've done - we have had four games against each other and beaten each other twice. So there is not a lot between the two.

"Everyone's thinking its going to go through for another half-an-hour, and that happens in football - they have done very well and I wish Leeds the very best of luck in the final."

When asked if mentally they were ready for the extra-time period, he said: "I think Gary (McAllister) would tell you the same. I think so. We were getting the water out and were planning maybe a change or two, looking at one or two things but, it kicks you and knocks you back.

Excellent season

"We have been in the top six all season and we've threatened big teams like this.

"That's pretty much my squad what you've seen out there tonight with three or four extra bodies so we need to try and improve upon that but it has been a fantastic season.

"That's our people you can hear out there singing - they respect what we try to do."