Sutton United 1-1 Carlisle United: Draw sets up Bradford play-off tie

A late Joe Kizzi own-goal meant Paul Simpson's side finished fifth in League Two.

That set up a first leg trip to Valley Parade next Sunday before a second leg against Mark Hughes' side at Brunton Park on Saturday week.

Kizzi headed into his own net after 84 minutes at Gander Green Lane, cancelling out Kylian Kouassi's Sutton opener.

That came after a long spell when the Blues were looking set for a play-off clash with Stockport County - instead ensuring it will be the sixth-placed Bantams.

Carlisle's fightback in front of 1,366 travelling fans in south London saw Simpson's United end the season on 76 points.

They came into the game with their play-off place all but secure - barring a defeat, a Mansfield win at Colchester and an eight goal swing in the goal difference column.

Simpson, without the suspended Jon Mellish, handed a first start to Jack Robinson, with Alfie McCalmont also coming into the side as Ryan Edmondson dropped to the bench.

Ryan Edmondson, left, turns away as Sutton players react to Joe Kizzi's own goal (Image: Richard Parkes)

Jack Armer started as the left-sided of three centre-backs, Robinson at left wing-back and Ben Barclay on the right in a 3-5-2 system.

Although Carlisle forced the first half-chance, McCalmont volleying over, it was Sutton who settled the quicker and had the better of the first 45 minutes.

Lee Angol went close with a header before Sutton struck in the 16th minute, Enzio Boldewijn feeding Kouassi in the box from the right and the forward enjoying too much space to turn and fire low past Tomas Holy.

Matt Gray's side, after six straight defeats, were on top with David Ajiboye a regular danger.

Kristian Dennis came close to a leveller, rifling against the crossbar after Owen Moxon touched a United free-kick into his path.

But otherwise Carlisle were uninspired, Sutton the sharper attacking unit, Rob Milson denied from a free-kick and Ajiboye unable to chip into an empty net after a mix-up between Holy and Paul Huntington let Angol in.

United, at this stage, were on course for seventh and a play-off against Stockport, but they improved after the break with Omari Patrick getting on the front foot.

He almost set up Dennis before Moxon tested keeper Jack Rose from outside the box.

Another deflected cross went millimetres out of Barclay's reach in the six-yard box as Simpson then made two double substitutions, sending on Jordan Gibson and Joe Garner, and then Edmondson and fit-again Taylor Charters as the latter made his first appearance since December.

Tomas Holy watches Sutton's opener hit the net (Image: Richard Parkes)

Kouassi powered a header over as Sutton broke in search of a second, while Salford went behind to Gillingham, meaning United were now in line for sixth, and a meeting with Bradford.

Carlisle finally grabbed their leveller late on as Sutton failed to defend a Barclay long throw, the ball coming off Harry Beautyman before Kizzi inadvertently headed in.

The hosts had a chance to win it late on but sub Donovan Wilson fired wide, as United's players acknowledged their travelling support - before looking ahead to a massive play-off showdown with the Bantams, their fifth-placed finish meaning they will be at home in the semi-final second leg.

Sutton: Rose, Kizzi, Hart, Goodliffe, Milsom, Ajiboye, Beautyman, Smith, Boldewijn, Kouassi, Angol (Wilson 76). Not used: Dickinson, Rowe, Gambin, Neufville, Dundas, Fadahunsi.

Goal: Kouassi 16.

United: Holy, Barclay, Huntington, Whelan, Armer, Robinson (Garner 66), Guy (Edmondson 78), Moxon, McCalmont, Patrick (Charters 78), Dennis (Gibson 66). Not used: Kelly, Senior, Harris.

Goal: Kizzi 84og

Booked: Robinson.

Ref: Darren Drysdale.

Crowd: 4,771 (1,366 Carlisle fans).