A trip to Elland Road in the first leg of their Coca-Cola League One play-offs semi-final is a daunting prospect for Carlisle United, but it is considerably more attractive than the uncertain future that awaits Bournemouth.

Leeds United represent a significant obstacle to the promotion ambitions of Carlisle, who appeared capable of finishing in one of the automatic promotion places until they faded badly in their last eight games.

It says much about the progress of a club who dropped into non-League football only four years ago when they are disappointed despite still having the chance of earning a place in the Championship. Scott Dobie, who put Carlisle ahead in the 57th minute, said: “The club’s been transformed, so I can’t see any reason why people should feel flat. We have a great opportunity now to get a game at Wembley and we can still get promoted.”

While Carlisle contemplate the possibility of the Championship, Bournemouth are heading for League Two, an undeserved destination for players betrayed by the club’s financial difficulties. The ten points deducted after they went into administration deprived Bournemouth of mid-table security. Further difficulties lie ahead for their manager, Kevin Bond, and Jeff Mostyn, the chairman, who missed this game because of his daughter’s wedding.

Bond, whose team levelled through Brett Pitman in the 68th minute, said: “I don’t know what the future holds. Bournemouth are now in League Two and there is the possibility of a further points deduction, so it’s not going to be easy keeping or attracting players to Bournemouth.”

Pitman had come on to replace Darren Anderton, the former England international, who was experiencing relegation for the first time at the age of 36. Anderton said: “It’s a horrible, empty feeling. It hurts, because we’ve played like championship contenders over the last six or seven games.”

Carlisle United (4-4-2): K Westwood – P Arnison, D Campion, P Murphy, E Horwood – S Dobie, C Lumsdon, G Smith (sub: M Bridge-Wilkinson, 79min), S Hackney – D Graham (sub: D Carlton, 85), G Madine (sub: C Taylor, 72). Substitutes not used: C Howarth, Z Aranalde. Booked: Lumsdon, Horwood, Arnison.

Bournemouth (4-5-1): D Forde – L Bradbury, J Gowling, J Pearce, W Cummings (sub: M Bartley, 86) – M Alain-Gradel, D Anderton (sub: B Pitman, 61), S Cooper, D Hollands, J Kuffour – S Vokes. Substitutes not used: R Pryce, N Young, R Garry. Booked: Bradbury, Hollands.

Referee: M Jones
Attendance: 12,223