Carlisle 2 Millwall 0

The victory - coupled with Northampton's 3-0 defeat at Leeds - allowed Carlisle to claw back a two-point deficit and save their skins. Leeds leapfrogged the Lions in the last round of regular fixtures, sending the South Londoners down to fifth.

Saturday's events set up a mouth-watering play-off semi-final clash between Leeds United and Millwall. Millwall will welcome Leeds to The Den at 12.45pm on Saturday, and will make the trip north for a 7.45pm kick-off next Thursday (May 14).

Many supporters who have worn Millwall's blue shirt with pride this season could have been forgiven for looking ahead to these high-stakes fixtures. But for Carlisle, the game couldn't have been more vital in their desperate last lunge to avoid relegation to the English game's fourth tier.

Favourable results would have seen Millwall sneak up to third spot, but it was the Northern side that were all smiles when player/coach Kavanagh smacked a 30-yard screamer past David Forde with just seven minutes gone.

Neil Harris blasted over from short range soon after, but Millwall were the weaker side in the first half, threatened by the pace of Cleveland Taylor.

Jason Price replaced Harris at the break, as manager Kenny Jackett bid to shake up the blunted attack. However, barely five minutes had elapsed in the second half when Thirlwell doubled Carlisle's lead, shooting in from 20 yards out.

Millwall appeared destined to play a supporting role in Carlisle's great escape, but performed much better in the second 45 minutes. Striker Gary Alexander thudded a header off the underside of the bar, and Price was denied a penalty after being felled by Richard Keogh's challenge less than 20 minutes from time.