By Jon Colman

Last updated 11:48, Saturday, 17 May 2008

CARLISLE UNITED’S promotion dream lies in tatters today after the Blues’ last-gasp defeat to Leeds - and boss John Ward admitted: “It’s a choker.”

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Dejected: United’s Chris Lumsdon reflects after the second-leg defeat against Leeds at Brunton Park

United, who led 2-1 from the play-off semi-final first leg, were shot down by a Jonny Howson double as Leeds killed off the Cumbrians’ Wembley hopes.

Teenager Howson struck in injury-time at Brunton Park to hand Gary McAllister’s men a 3-2 aggregate victory and consign Carlisle to another season in League One.

“It’s a choker and I’ve got a dressing room full of people who feel that way,” said Ward.

“We didn’t have enough to stay in second place and then we didn’t have enough to put Leeds away.

“Leeds scored with the last kick of both games and I wish Monday’s referee had Alan Wiley’s watch.

“It’s amazing when one game finishes with nine minutes extra and one with only two minutes. But that’s happened and I’m not having a go at the referees.

“Leeds deserved to go through and I wish them well in the final.

“We didn’t get what we want and we can play better, but I’ve got absolutely no grumbles about the effort and determination of the team.

“We’ve given the city of Carlisle a football team to be very proud of even in defeat, and that’s important to remember.”

United, who had a six point lead in second place until late in the promotion race, saw their bid to reach the Championship crumble in front of 12,873 fans.

Ward, meanwhile, is speaking to every member of his squad today with several players’ futures on the line.

Grant Smith, Zigor Aranalde, Paul Arnison and Luke Joyce are all out of contract and only Scottish midfielder Smith can be confident of earning a new deal as Ward starts to reshape his squad for a promotion push next season.

Popular Basque veteran Aranalde is certain to be released, while Barnsley’s Cumbrian defender Paul Reid, who spent an injury-hit spell on loan with the club at the end of the season, is likely to be among Ward’s top summer targets.

“I will let the players go and reflect on what they’ve done and I will try to build a better team and a better squad,” added Ward. “Most of them are contracted anyway so the core of the squad stands up for itself.”

Jubilant Leeds chief McAllister, whose Cumbrian defender Paul Huntington was impressive despite a hostile reception from United’s fans, said: “I thought we were brave, we got a wonderful result and the added bonus of a very good performance.

“I thought the ugly side of our game was missing on Monday night. We didn’t win any of our headers or tackles or any of the bouncing balls in the middle of the park, Carlisle were first to most of them. But we reversed them this time.”