Exeter can make class count against Carlisle to reach Wembley

Sky Bet League Two playoff semi-final
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Exeter will be wondering how they are not already well on course for a trip to Wembley but the Grecians can finally get the job done at home to Carlisle in their semi-final playoff second leg.

As a football match it was barely a contest on Sunday as Exeter raced into a 3-1 advantage before being pegged back as luck evaded Paul Tisdale's travelling team.

Exeter had two goals harshly disallowed for offside and also hit the post, while a John O'Sullivan fluke goal from a long cross halved the deficit before substitute Shaun Miller made it 3-3.

Tisdale's team need to be wary of balls being slung into their box against stronger opponents but the majority of the classy technicians will be in the home dressing-room at a sold-out venue.

Joel Grant was a major threat for Exeter and they are blessed in the attacking department with Ryan Harley, David Wheeler and Ollie Watkins in the side. It will be interesting to see whether Tisdale uses Reuben Reid - who was only a substitute on Sunday - but either way Carlisle will have their hands full keeping Exeter out.

Carlisle may be best fighting fire with fire and getting men around target-man forward Jamie Proctor because defensively it will be a tough task keeping tabs on all of Exeter's threats.

An open game seems certain and it's more likely that Exeter will be heading to the final.

Recommendation
Exeter
1pt 21-20 general

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Exeter
Robbie Simpson remains sidelined for Exeter.

Carlisle
Jabo Ibehre, who missed the first leg, remains doubtful.

Key stat
Carlisle have kept two clean sheets in their last 39 matches