Following a 1-0 victory in their Sky Bet League Two play-off semifinal, Jamie Walker gave Bradford the first-leg advantage over Carlisle.
The Scottish midfielder's lone goal in a tight contest at Valley Parade was witnessed by the largest crowd in the fourth tier at this point.
Carlisle put up a fight in the second half in front of the 20,575 spectators, but Bradford held on to take a slim lead to Brunton Park the following Saturday.
In the final league standings, only goal difference separated the two teams, and in their prior meetings, only one goal had been scored.
In a boisterous setting, the first exchanges were as tight as would be expected.
Play was stopped for a handball against the Carlisle forward, but Harry Lewis of Bradford saved Ben Barclay's header and Joe Garner struck the crossbar.
The ensuing free kick gave the home team the lead. Alex Gilliead and Andy Cook advanced after Lewis' long shot, and Scott Banks then fed Walker in for a goal past Tomas Holy of Carlisle.
Walker was close to scoring again as his cross-shot sailed across the Carlisle goal as Bradford kept up the pressure.
The best way back for Carlisle appeared to be through Owen Moxon's set-piece delivery. From their first corner, Jack Armer's header was wide, and Corey Whelan's header following a Moxon free-kick was also off-target.
In the extra time at the end of the half, Bradford had another opportunity when Banks charged into the penalty box, but Holy was there to close the angle and stop his toe-poke shot.
Early in the second half, Carlisle, who had only triumphed once in their previous nine trips to Valley Parade, sought for an answer, but Lewis stopped Alfie McCalmont's first-time volley.
Adam Clayton then lost control of the ball in Bradford's half, but Garner dragged his feet in the corner of the box, allowing Romoney Crichlow to steal it.
On the 58th minute, Carlisle manager Paul Simpson replaced both forwards with Ryan Edmondson and Kristian Dennis.
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