But Carlisle then went and conceded a second penalty on 75 minutes, this time hauling John Utaka down in the box, and Yebda made no mistake with a pin-point finish.
But Carlisle put on an impressive performance and Leeds were given an early scare when a tame headed clearance resulted in Bridge-Wilkinson volleying against the outside of the post from a Graham cross.
But Carlisle had a home record matching the 17 wins achieved by Premier League champions Manchester United and the Brunton Park side had the first chance as an off-balance Grant Smith shot wide.
But while Carlisle and Co are getting their new careers - whether inside or outside cricket - up and running, it is not simply a case of 'I'm all right Jack.
BBC: It began as a vibrant show of solidarity for their leader.
The on-loan Chelsea winger was set to shoot but was felled by Carlisle, leaving ref Kevin Friend with little option but to award a penalty and show the defender a straight red.
But Thomson, Clarke Carlisle and Connolly all missed chances as the game went first into extra time and then to penalties.
The Cameroon-born 26-year-old was released by Stoke City in the summer but opted to join Carlisle after a trial with Cardiff during the summer.
Worcester should have levelled soon after but fly-half Joey Carlisle missed with a kick at goal and Leicester took advantage.
But, almost immediately, the Carlisle midfielder was on hand to sidefoot in from Evan Horwood's low cross to extend his side's lead.
Bridge-Wilkinson has played more than 100 games for Carlisle in two spells but has been reduced to just four substitute appearances this season.
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson slotted home to extend Carlisle's lead but Freedman scrambled in on 95 minutes to pull one back ahead of Thursday's second leg.
The 25-year-old midfielder spent part of last season on loan at Carlisle and Bury, but is now hoping to get a regular berth in John Barnes' side.
Two seasons ago Carlisle were in the Conference, but after successive promotions they have now consolidated their position and despite McDonald's desire to play down expectation, performances like those against Forest show what his team is capable of.
BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Carlisle United | McDonald keen to play down hopes
Chemotherapy is provided at the hospital but those who need radiotherapy travel elsewhere, including Carlisle and Preston.
But tensions between the board and the trio remain, Carlisle told BBC Sport.
Carlisle's best chance fell to Danny Graham but he headed tamely at keeper Casper Ankergren from eight yards.
It may look like I was trying to avoid my mother and her home cooking by going to Journalism College as far away as possible - Carlisle to Portsmouth is a bit of a trek - but that couldn't be further from the truth.
But Mr Fraser was a devoted son of the borders, born in Carlisle and writing both fact and fiction about the ruffian-reivers and cattle-stealers of the region: men who, in their shameless venturing and whoring and disrespect for law, were quite a lot like old Flashy, except that they were brave.
But Jason Vieaux will use his new guitar Sunday at a tour stop in Carlisle, Pa.
But this time they were bolstered by the return of several veterans, including Carlisle and Heath Streak, who had been in dispute with the national cricket board.
Clarke Carlisle headed Burnley in front from a Chris Eagles cross early on, but Robert Taylor levelled from six yards.
Wragg is a neat and clever wrestler but he was up against it in the 11-and-half stones where Carlisle had three champions in the group.
Carlisle, Streak and Gripper have not totally ruled out a return to Test cricket but it does seems unlikely.
But while Gary McAllister's Leeds have carried their promotion form into the new season, Carlisle have struggled to replicate such performances and Ward believes there are players within his squad who have underperformed so far.
Carlisle almost helped them when a tame header by Evan Horwood let Freedman in on goal but keeper Keiren Westwood saved the defender's blushes by quickly rushing out to block the striker's chip.
But what puzzles me is why a post-independence Westminster government would build a line from Manchester to Carlisle, where it would reach the furthest extent of its domain?
"Carlisle United are a club that has been through too many crises over the last decade or two but we remain confident that the current personnel at Brunton Park can lead us out of the present situation, " the club's official statement read.
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