We're desperate to win promotion - Lumsdon
Last updated 11:38, Monday, 05 May 2008
PROUD captain Chris Lumsdon said every Carlisle United player was desperate to win promotion for the Blue Army after an emotional send-off at Brunton Park.
United, whose faint automatic promotion hopes were ended on Saturday, face Leeds in a huge play-off battle next week.
And Lumsdon, pictured, who skippered the Blues for the first time in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, said the response of the 12,223 crowd has made John Ward’s side even more determined to reach the Championship via Wembley.
“When we came back out onto the pitch after the game, we thought the crowd would be disappointed with us,” said the midfielder.
“But they gave us such a boost when we were walking around. When we got back in the dressing room it was very emotional.
“We really want to do it now because we understand what it means to the fans. It means exactly the same to us and we can’t wait for the play-offs to come now.”
United go to Elland Road for the first leg on Monday, May 12 and return to Brunton Park for the second leg on Thursday, May 15. Both games kick-off at 7.45pm and are likely to be televised by Sky Sports.
The Blues finished fourth after failing to see off Bournemouth, who were relegated on a dramatic final day.
But Lumsdon said United were content to be rated as underdogs for the double-header with Leeds, who finished a place below Carlisle in the table after beating Gillingham 2-1 to leapfrog Southend.
“When people write us off that’s when were at our strongest - so let them write us off,” Lumsdon said.
“Leeds are a good team with good players but we matched them twice this season, so bring it on.
“We wanted to get automatic promotion for the fans, but I think they know we’re trying our very hardest.
“We might not be the best players in the league but you wont find a team with better spirit or determination to do it for each other.
“We've given everything and we just need to do it for a couple more games now. If we do it together there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Lumsdon also dismissed concerns over Carlisle’s form going into the play-offs.
The Blues managed just one win from their last eight games.
“It would have helped to go in there having won the last few games, but it’s semi-finals and anything can happen,” said the 28-year-old.
“If we can go down there and not die in the first leg, we can bring them back here and we know what kind of atmosphere it will be.”
On taking the captain’s armband for the Cherries clash, Lumsdon added: “When the gaffer told me I was chuffed - it’s something I didn’t expect to happen.” Nottingham Forest, who beat Yeovil 3-2, claimed the second automatic promotion place after Doncaster slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham. Rovers will play Southend in the other League One play-off semi, the first leg at Roots Hall this Friday.
