Carlisle United lost their League Two play-off semi-final first leg 1-0 at Bradford City.
But they will go into Saturday’s return at Brunton Park full of optimism after a very good performance in defeat at Valley Parade.
A record crowd of over 20,000 for a League Two play-off semi-final saw City win with a goal in the 18th minute from Jamie Walker.
Scott Banks had managed to steer the ball through to him and he kept his cool to hold off a challenge and fire past Tomas Holy.
It was a first-half of few chances and throughout the whole game there were only three attempts at goal which were on target – two of them for City.
However, it has to be said that Carlisle were much the more dominant side in the second-half and had chances to draw level.
The best opportunity fell to lively substitute Ryan Edmondson when he got on the end of an inviting Jack Armer cross but from close-in headed over the bar.
Edmondson also did well out on the right to get past Romoney Crichlow at the by-line and his low cross snaked right across the six yard box only needing a touch to steer home.
Kristian Dennis, also thrown into the action with Edmondson on 58 minutes, also had a chance when Taylor Charters slipped a ball through for him.
Dennis was forced wide as keeper Harry Lewis rushed out to meet him and his attempted cut back for goal finished behind.
City did not create a worthwhile chance after the goal as the Carlisle defence handled Andy Cook and co with relative ease.
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson said: “I’m very proud of the team after we made a nervous start. After the goal we settled and I thought we were magnificent.
“We created numerous opportunities that on another night might have been put away but it sets up a great second leg on Saturday.
“I thought this was a proper football match between two good sides and I am sure it is going to be similar at our place.”
