Elding has a score to settle with the Blues
Last updated 12:38, Thursday, 08 May 2008
LEEDS frontman Anthony Elding claims he has a personal score to settle with Carlisle United in next week’s play-off semi-finals.
For Elding was part of the Stevenage side left heartbroken in 2005 when the Blues pipped them to promotion from the Conference.
Elding has since left his non-league days behind but insists the memory of United’s 1-0 win over Stevenage at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium in the Conference play-off final three years ago is still painful.
The 26-year-old said he “couldn’t have been happier” to have landed Carlisle in the play-offs.
“There’s personal motivation for me because I’ve already lost a play-off final to them,” said the former Stockport and Boston man.
“I was playing for Stevenage when they beat us at Stoke, and there’s a little score for me to settle.
“The disappointment was horrible. I’d scored 20 goals that season and to finish with no reward was tough.
“It’s funny to think how far Carlisle have come since then and how much Stevenage have struggled.
“Stevenage basically stood still. It reminds you that promotion doesn’t come round very often and how important it is to take your chance when it does.”
Elding has been on the fringes of Gary McAllister’s side in recent months after his January move from Edgeley Park.
And he is likely to get no further than the bench for next Monday’s first leg, with top scorer and ex-Carlisle loanee Jermaine Beckford set to return from an ankle injury to partner Dougie Freedman in attack.
Freedman’s two goals accounted for United in last month’s 3-2 defeat at Elland Road and the 33-year-old poacher will pose one of the biggest threats to Carlisle’s promotion hopes next week.
“He’s been top-class since coming here from Palace and he’s an example to me,” added Elding. “Everyone can see the difference he’s made, and I hope the manager signs him permanently.”
