IT is a little difficult to put into words just how good the feeling was to be back inside a stadium watching the U’s play meaningful football again.

When a certain way of life has been with you for countless years, to have it returned to you, after being forcibly extracted for what seemed like an age, well the experience was borderline on the emotional to be honest.

The only thing missing this past week was the first win of the season, but I am sure that Saturday will deliver that for us.

Going to away games is one thing. Being able to watch the U’s at home is another better and positive experience and lucky us, we have two on the bounce to enjoy this next week.

First up, it was so good to see over 200 fellow U’s fans at Carlisle. That’s a massive effort for such a long journey. Then to see the U’s run out again was pretty special too.

As for the game, Carlisle came out all guns blazing as expected given their bumper home attendance. Our first formation of the season, which I like, creaked a little early on but settled down nicely once the opposition wavered.

Clampin and Coxe brought bundles of energy as wing-backs and I would love to see this game plan work for us when available.

It can be very exciting to watch and it also enhances the attacking threat.

One does wonder if the result would have been different if Nouble had put away his chance in the first half though. He working incredibly hard up front all game with his new number nine shirt on, and a goal would have been a fitting reward.

Gazette:

Quite what the U’s would have done without Shamal George (pictured above) delivering several outstanding saves? I don’t think that you need to be a genius to realise that our glove man is really up for it this season and is going to enjoy every single minute. Definitely my type of player.

Work kept me from Birmingham, but again, 300 U’s fans travelling midweek to a cup game is outstanding.

I think you can tell already how much we are all enjoying having the ability to watch football once more. Judging from what I have heard and read we really deserved something from the game.

It took a deflected shot to settle things which happens unfortunately. Not that it was for the want of trying to grab an equaliser or more, but ultimately the U’s miss out this season.

Our Fulham loanee forward, Sylvester Jasper, received a lot of praise for his St Andrew's outing. That’s a really positive slice of news and if he can continue in the same vein then he is going to see a lot of game time and also be amongst our regular scorers, which is just what we need.

What we do need is the first goal tomorrow. The U’s first goal of the season, in their first home game in front of their supporters will be the most perfect moment.

We are only at the beginning of what will hopefully be a long and fruitful football season. The fans are desperate to enjoy themselves again and nothing makes us all happier than a win.

Best of luck to Hayden and the lads, and thanks to everyone coming along to enjoy footballing normality again.

I’m really looking forward to it as I trust you are!

Up the U’s!