December 2009

The Cumbrians will face League One leaders Leeds after coasting past the 10-man Bantams thanks to goals from Richard Keogh, Scott Dobie and Matty Robson following a red card to Bradford defender Simon Ramsden.

Abbott said: “It's brilliant for the club. Leeds is something to look forward to and there's excitement about the second half of the season, but it's vital we keep the momentum going.

“The goals came at the right time for us. Matty Robson's goal was sensational and worth the admission money alone.”

At Elland Road, winger Hogan Ephraim tormented Accrington to help send the Whites through with a 2-0 win.

Ephraim, on loan from QPR, fired a much-changed Leeds side ahead in the ninth minute with a 20-yard shot from the left which deflected off defender Phil Edwards and into the far corner after neat passing by David Prutton and Mike Grella.

Ephraim proved a handful for Stanley's defence all night and it was his 50th-minute run and cross from the right that enabled Neil Kilkenny to head Leeds' second goal into the bottom-right corner.

Manager Simon Grayson insisted his side would be doing all they could to reach Wembley.

“Our priority is winning League One but we try to win every cup game that comes along,” he said. “People knock the JPT competition but it has a final at Wembley and it is every footballer's dream to play there, so it is a massive incentive.

“If we can beat Carlisle over the two legs we will look forward to a good day out.”

Bartosz Bialkowski saved three spot-kicks as Southampton moved closer to Wembley with a dramatic 6-5 penalty shoot-out win over Norwich after the game finished 2-2.

Norwich looked comfortable defending a 2-1 lead following strikes from Gary Doherty and Chris Martin after Papa Waigo’s opener for Saints until the third minute of added time when they failed to deal with a free-kick and Dan Harding lashed home the loose ball to set up a Southern Section Final clash with MK Dons.

Saints boss Alan Pardew said: “Our fans were probably walking out at that stage thinking the game was over but it turned out to be a good night in the end.”

MK Dons winger Jason Puncheon was relishing the thought of playing at Wembley after his side beat Hereford 4-1.

Sam Baldock gave the Dons the lead before Leon Constantine equalised, but the visitors hit back with a double from Aaron Wilbraham and a late Jermaine Easter goal.

“We're two games away from playing there and hopefully we will get there,” Puncheon said.

“I haven't played there myself but some of the lads in the dressing room have and they tell me it was a great experience. Now it's up to us to get there.”

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