Carlisle stand just 180 minutes away from a Millennium Stadium debut after emerging victorious from a cup classic at Brunton Park last night.

A golden goal from Will McDonagh, his second strike of the evening, silenced barracking fans and secured a thrilling triumph in the northern area semi-final of the LDV Vans Trophy.

If Roddy Collins' players can produce performances of similar spirit for the remainder of the league campaign, United will surely be playing Third Division football again next season.

Richie Foran raised spirits by heading the home side into a 20th-minute lead and, although strikes from George Clegg and Terry Dunfield looked to have secured victory for Bury, a late goal from McDonagh sent this tie into extra-time.

With a penalty shoot-out just two minutes away, the Irishman struck the decisive blow with 118 minutes showing on the clock.

A two-leg northern final clash with Shrewsbury or Crewe now beckons, with a glamour trip to Cardiff up for grabs.

"That is what I expect of the players every week now until the end of the season," said Collins, who had criticised his players after Saturday's 1-0 league defeat at Exeter.

"These players aren't cheats, they know I expect better of them and I'm delighted that we have got it.

"If they graft, people will respect them. This was a battling performance and it shows what we are all about. We have to go on and do it in the league now.

"I've laid my cards on the table, I'm not at war with the players.

"Some of the fans were slaughtering me at 2-1 down and slaughtering Will McDonagh in particular. I'm really pleased with the way he responded. I hope we can go on from here."

It was Lee Maddison who created the Carlisle opener, with the defender whipping in a swirling cross.

Foran climbed to attack the ball powerfully and, with Steve Redmond unable to get out of the way, keeper Glyn Garner had no chance with the deflected effort.

It was no more than the home side deserved, with the Cumbrians playing with drive and determination and passing the ball well against their promotion-seeking opponents.

Bury were fortunate to survive seven minutes before the interval as Adam Rundle tried his luck from long range and was unfortunate to see his dipping drive rattle Garner's crossbar.

Andy Preece's side had been playing well but were lacking a cutting edge before half-time.

They came out in a positive mood for the start of the second period and, but for a goal-line clearance from Shelley, would have equalised within five minutes as Jamie Stuart's header caused chaos.

The tide had certainly turned and keeper Matty Glennon, a spectator for the majority of the opening 45 minutes, had to be at his best to deny Jon Newby and Chris Billy with a terrific double save.

It came as little surprise when Bury levelled the scores on the hour mark, with Dunfield smashing a super volley past Glennon from 18 yards after Chris Swailes had teed up Redmond's free-kick.

The Cumbrians seemed to be dead and buried nine minutes later when Clegg drove Ian Lawson's cross into the back of the net to give Preece's side the advantage.

But McDonagh kept Carlisle's cup dream alive by heading an 86th-minute equaliser. A heated encounter exploded just 90 seconds into the added period when Chris Billy was shown a second yellow card for a wild lunge at Ryan Baldacchino.

Although they had an extra man, Carlisle had to be patient, with McDonagh eventually driving an 18-yard shot past Garner.