Freedman produced his sixth goal of the season in the depths of injury-time last night to restrict Carlisle United to a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final.

The visitors had been seconds away from taking a 2-0 advantage into the second leg at Brunton Park on Thursday night, but Freedman's low strike at the end of United's last attack resurrected the club's hopes of reaching the play-off final at Wembley.

McAllister said: "It's game on and it keeps us in the tie.
"I said to the lads that it's going to be a game of 180 minutes and I've got to applaud my players, we played right through to 96 and I've got a feeling that this tie is going to go right to the final minutes up at Carlisle as well.

"We'd have been disappointed with 2-0, but it wouldn't have been a case of surrendering. I still would have felt that we were in the game. But scoring so late on puts a different perspective on it.

"There's a lot at stake and it'll be two decent sides trying to achieve a place at Wembley."

Carlisle took control of last night's game with goals in either half from ex-United loanee Danny Graham and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, whose close-range goal in the 50th minute established a 2-0 lead as the visitors briefly threatened to put the tie beyond Leeds.

John Ward insisted he was content with the final scoreline, despite Freedman handing United a reprieve, but McAllister said: "I would think the Carlisle players would've been happier taking us back there with a two-goal lead.

"We won't be gung-ho, that's never a style I would adopt anyway. The game's got to be played with a bit of thought, but we obviously go there looking to win.

"They're the home side. Are they going to try and protect their lead or are they going to try and score? We know what we've got to do. We're not going to go there to defend.

"It's plain to see that the goal's changed the game."

McAllister praised the performance of Carlisle goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, who produced a serious of crucial saves in the first half to deny Freedman and Jermaine Beckford, and he also offered a glowing tribute to Freedman following the striker's timely goal.

The 33-year-old's move to Leeds on loan from Crystal Palace was an important catalyst in United's run to the play-offs, and his effort in last night's first leg could be a decisive factor when the semi-final is settled on Thursday night.

McAllister said: "Dougie would admit that he wasn't at his best but hopefully, with us going into a really important game up there, he'll come to the fore.

"He's been quality in and around the training ground. I've known Dougie for a while but never actually worked with him – he's a better player than I thought he was.

"We made their keeper work and their keeper produced. He's obviously impressed a few people this season and he lived up to his billing.

"Carlisle played well and possibly deserved their victory, but in an open first half we did create chances as well.

"Our final delivery lacked quality and our decision-making wasn't quite there, but the turnover is quick and there'll be tired legs during the last 10 or 15 minutes at Carlisle."

McAllister has just 48 hours to prepare his side for the second leg at Brunton Park, and he was reviewing the condition of Beckford today after returning the striker to his starting line-up last night.

Beckford made his comeback after a four-game absence with an ankle injury but was substituted in the 58th minute.