McAllister backs a very 'different' Leeds to overturn play-off deficit

Published on Wednesday 14 May 2008 23:24

GARY McAllister has promised "a different Leeds side" will turn up tonight for the return leg of their Coca-Cola League One play-off semi-final at Carlisle.

The Cumbrians stunned a full house in the first leg at Elland Road on Monday by cruising into a 2-0 lead, before former Scotland international Dougie Freedman threw Leeds a lifeline deep in stoppage time.

McAllister said: "This is it. There's an exciting game coming up. What we've learned from the first game was that Carlisle were better.

"They've edged themselves in front, but they can be sure it's going to be a tough battle. We're going to fight and scrap and go right to the final minute.

"We've got to improve right throughout the team, from one to 11. We have to hold our hands up and admit that we didn't play well.

"But the fact is we gave ourselves a better chance by getting that late goal and on reflection and looking at the video we did make four or five chances, and their goalkeeper was probably man of the match.

"As much as we were disappointed with our performance, we did create some chances. But you'll see a different Leeds side tomorrow night.

"I'm absolutely sure that the quality, the composure and the way we approach it will be different."

Carlisle will start clear favourites for the second leg at Brunton Park, with roles now reversed after John Ward's side turned in a classy performance, but McAllister wonders how they will handle the expectation. The former Scotland skipper said: "Many people saw us as favourites at Elland Road – Carlisle having a goal start will now be deemed favourites. So we go into the game as underdogs.

"They've got the expectation and the pressure of the home fans which we had the other night, so the roles reverse a little bit. We'll see how Carlisle cope with that."

McAllister expects striker Jermaine Beckford's troublesome ankle to settle in time and has no other new injury problems, but Alan Sheehan is still suspended and misses out.

Carlisle manager Ward agreed the stage was set for another epic encounter. The three previous games between the Blues and Leeds this season have produced 12 goals, with Ward's men running out 3-1 victors the last time the sides met at Brunton Park in November.

But Ward has warned his players a trip to Wembley to face either Doncaster or Southend was by no means a foregone conclusion.

He said: "We are two very, very good teams and by no means do I – and I'm sure Gary will think the same – think this is finished. There's a cracking game ahead. Monday was the third time we've been close to each other this season and that pleases me immensely.

"We've got to do the ultimate now and try and get through on Thursday.

"But at the moment we've still got a big job to do and that (Freedman] goal will give Gary and his team a big lift coming up to Carlisle."

Ward has David Raven available after a three-match ban, while midfielder Simon Hackney is expected to recover from an unspecified knock sustained in the first leg.

The first leg of the other semi-final was played on Friday night, with Southend being held to a 0-0 draw. The second leg, at Doncaster, takes place tomorrow.