By Jon Colman

Last updated 09:02, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

WONDER keeper Keiren Westwood was hailed as Carlisle United’s hero as the Blues stunned Leeds to take a dramatic step towards Wembley.

Safe hands: United’s Keiren Westwood made some crucial saves during last night’s 2-1 victory, Carlisle’s first ever win at Elland Road

United’s star stopper wowed Elland Road boss Gary McAllister and a nationwide TV audience with a series of jaw-dropping saves in United’s superb 2-1 play-off semi-final first leg victory.

Westwood’s efforts to deny Jermaine Beckford and Dougie Freedman added to his soaring reputation - and his transfer value.

And McAllister said the 23-year-old was the main reason the Blues take a crucial one-goal lead into Thursday’s massive second leg at Brunton Park - despite also claiming Leeds have the psychological edge after Freedman’s controversial injury-time lifeline.

“Their goalkeeper was excellent and probably man-of-the-match,” said McAllister.

“We made their keeper work and their keeper produced. The save in the first half from Jermaine was particularly spectacular. From our angle in the dugout it was a goal all the way. It was a fantastic save.

“He’s a keeper that’s obviously impressed a few people over the season and he’s lived up to his billing tonight.”

The former Man City ‘keeper, who has a year left on his current deal, has put talks over an extension on hold until United’s promotion campaign is over.

And if the Blues fail in their heroic bid to reach the Championship via Wembley, United will brace themselves for big-money offers for their prized asset, who was recently named in League One’s team of the year.

United manager John Ward said of Westwood: “We try and defend in front of him but when they get to him he’s got good spring and he’s agile.

“All good teams need a good goalkeeper and we’ve got one.”

Simon Hackney, with a volley which deflected in off Danny Graham’s backside, and recalled midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson struck for impressive United in front of 36,297 fans at Elland Road last night as Ward’s men ripped up the formbook in front of the Sky cameras.

But veteran loan man Freedman poached a late Leeds consolation goal in the 96th minute, after a minimum of four added minutes had been signalled by the fourth official.

Blues boss Ward refused to criticise ref Tony Bates for allowing such a long spell of injury-time. TV replays, meanwhile, showed that Leeds should have been awarded a goal-kick instead of the corner which led to Hackney’s opener.

Asked if Freedman had given Leeds the psychological edge for the return leg at Brunton Park, despite United holding the 2-1 advantage, McAllister insisted: “I think it’s got to.

“It puts a different perspective on the whole game. I said it would be a game of 180 minutes and I’ve got a feeling this tie will go to the final minutes at Carlisle.”

Former Scotland hero McAllister added: “We got done with some of their counter-attacks. They played some nice football. I was impressed by Carlisle.

“They came here and played well and possibly deserved their victory, but it’s still game on.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be exciting up there.”