News and Star column

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It felt great to be one of the privileged few going into the Paddock again to watch the Blues. But it felt even better on the way out.

Despite all the Covid-19 paraphernalia around the Southend game last weekend it was still the three points at the end of the 90 minutes that mattered the most.

If we had fluked a goal in injury time and won one-nil most people would have been happy.

The lucky 1000 fans who were allowed into a sunny Brunton Park for the test event were, maybe, given a taste of what it is like in the Premier League – the game was a sell-out, the kick-off was brought forward a couple of hours and it was live on TV (okay, it was iFollow).

In all seriousness, the club and chief executive Nigel Clibbens and all his staff must be commended for the way everything was organised.

Any apprehension supporters had as we made our way into the ground soon disappeared as it became clear everyone was following the guidelines and just happy to be back.

Three clubs declined the opportunity to hold a test event because of the short notice. But the Blues didn’t shirk the task and managed to get things in place in less than 72 hours – no mean feat.

It was thanks to a united effort from everyone at the club with CUOSC volunteers helping out too.

It was good to see, and exactly the aim of CUOSC’s Carlisle REUnited campaign where we are trying to encourage fans and sponsors to come together to support the club and the community.

There wasn’t a negative comment to be heard. But, with all test events now paused in the latest round of restrictions, who knows, when we will be back in Brunton Park again.

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To donate to the Carlisle REUnited campaign click: http://cuosc.org.uk/carlisle-reunited/

Or if you would like to join CUOSC or renew your membership click: http://cuosc.org.uk/apply-for-membership/ It costs £10 for adults for one year and £5 for seniors and Under 18s.