Wrexham were the better side for long periods but Carlisle performed best where it matters most, by taking their chances with a goal in each half.

Manager Roddy Collins said after the game: "It was most important to get a clean sheet. I thought we dealt with them well. Peter Murphy was absolutely unbelievable. I wonder if he can get any better than that and the players around him responded to his calm.

"I didn't want to show my hand too much for Saturday, so we played one up front initially and then mixed it about a bit. I hope Dennis Smith was suitably puzzled."

Wrexham almost snatched an early lead with three minutes gone, Carlos Edwards finding Lee Trundle but Matty Glennon did well to turn the shot away.

The Welsh side were proving the more enterprising, Andy Morrell shooting over from the edge of the box. Little had been seen of Carlisle until the 17th minute when Leon Osman beat two players inside the box but a poor shot flew over the bar.

As Wrexham continued to dominate, Glennon saved well from Trundle and Edwards pulled a shot wide when clear. Glennon was again in the thick of the action, saving from Morrell and brilliantly turning an Edwards piledriver round the post for a corner.

With five minutes to go before the break, the Cumbrians stole the lead, totally against the run of play. Osman turned brilliantly in the box to smash a shot against the bar with Jon McCarthy reacting to head the rebound home for his first goal for the club.

The pattern continued in the second half with Wrexham the better side, Barrett shooting over after Hector Sam had squared the ball into his path.

Morrell then went close, his goalbound effort being deflected for a corner by Darren Kelly.

Glennon then did well to save at the feet of Lee Jones after Sam had sent him clear.

Still Wrexham came forward in search of an equaliser, Carlos Edwards and Sam both shooting wide.

But with only two minutes remaining, Morrell headed narrowly over from a Darren Ferguson corner and Carlisle immediately went upfield to seal the tie. Kelly's through ball sent Foran racing clear down the right and spotting Robinson's run into the box, Foran squared the ball for the former Newcastle forward to stroke home the simplest of chances.