Boss Keith Curle has praised Carlisle United’s loyal supporters “for taking every step” with his play-off pushing side.

Nearly 600 Blues fans made the long journey to Devon on Thursday night for United’s League Two semi-final second leg at Exeter.

John O’Sullivan’s header, which brought the Cumbrians level as they fought back from 2-0 down, briefly sparked wild celebrations late on in normal time before former Carlisle loan midfielder Jack Stacey struck the killer blow to the Blues’ promotion hopes in stoppage time as Exeter progressed.

And, although the long trek for the Blue Army ultimately proved to be in vain as the Cumbrians’ hopes of a trip to Wembley ended, manager Curle hailed the fans.

He said: “The journey we have been taken on, they have taken every step with us.

“I’m very proud to be a part of a football club that has got a following. At every away game we have been at, we have never been outshouted. Every ground we have been to, we have never been outshouted.”

Curle added he also felt the well-travelled supporters had represented the club well throughout a season which began with an opening-day league trip to Portsmouth, before ending with two visits to Exeter’s St James’ Park inside a fortnight.

“They have conducted themselves absolutely fantastically. They have made a lot of friends along the way, whatever football club we have been to because of their level of support,” United’s manager said.

“As football supporters, they understand and appreciate that you don’t just support Carlisle United on a whim. It takes real finance.

“The people that have backed us here and throughout the season, I have to say a massive thank you to them.”

Ex-Carlisle striker Charlie Wyke, meanwhile, could be in action at Wembley this afternoon as he looks to help Bradford get into the Championship after leaving Brunton Park in January.

The Yorkshire club will come up against Millwall today at the national stadium in the League One play-off final.

Cumbrian Kyle Dempsey has agreed to join Fleetwood on a three-year deal after a successful loan spell at the club.