Danny Grainger was hailed as Carlisle United's top performer of 2015/16 before the Blues' defeat to Oxford.

The Cumbrian captain received the News & Star player of the year trophy after winning our readers' vote.

Grainger, from Eamont Bridge, pipped David Atkinson to the prize.

It was the second award to Grainger in the space of three days after he was also named United's community player of the year.

A further presentation on Saturday, meanwhile, saw Derek Asamoah receive Carlisle's London Branch fans' champagne moment award for his memorable goal at Liverpool in the Capital One Cup last September.

The game also saw the return of two former Blues heroes to Brunton Park, as 1990s favourites Dean Walling and Rod Thomas received a warm reception as they performed the half-time draw.

Oxford, meanwhile, were backed by legendary kids' TV presenter Timmy Mallett, who cycled to Brunton Park.