Carlisle United say they hope fans will again be back at Brunton Park for their next home game.

But the Blues must play a waiting game despite what they have described as the "remarkable achievement" of welcoming supporters back two days ago.

Some 1,000 supporters attended Saturday's 2-0 victory over Southend - the first EFL game in front of fans since March because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was one of seven test games in the English league, leading to hopes fans will again be able to watch the Blues against Barrow in Brunton Park's next fixture.

That, though, will depend on further guidance amid concerns over rising coronavirus infections nationally and the likelihood of further Government measures.

United's next game, at Scunthorpe this weekend, will be behind closed doors after the Iron failed to gain permission from North Lincolnshire Council's Safety Advisory Group to hold a test game, because of the rising rate of Covid cases in that area.

Carlisle are remaining optimistic about games at Brunton Park, and have asked fans who attended Saturday's game to participate in a formal feedback process - while chief executive Nigel Clibbens has praised all those who helped get the event on.

He said: "Saturday was a landmark day for us, particularly with the early kick off. To be the first professional club in England to welcome fans back at a league match was a remarkable achievement for us all.

“The feedback we’ve had from fans has been really positive and helpful. We will now review everything and use those comments and observations to make adjustments for the next time we’re allowed to have fans in the stadium.

“It goes without saying that we all hope that fans will be with us again for the Barrow game, but we must await further guidance on whether or not that will be the case.”

Clibbens said comments from safety officials before and after the game "were all positive and complimentary" and the club are also conducting an internal review.

He added: “To see so many familiar faces back, happy and looking forward to the game was very special. You could see and feel the joy of being back.

“For those fans who are still waiting to be able to come to games, I’m sure they will feel even more anticipation at being able to do so following Saturday’s game.”

Clibbens praised the "good people" at the club who worked hard to ensure the stadium was ready and safe, and who also helped ensure United has conducted itself well throughout the pandemic.

He added on the Blues' website: “I think that the manner in which Carlisle United has handled the whole Covid-19 crisis shows that even those clubs who are further down the football pyramid can set an example.”

Clibbens said United were always confident of stading a successful test event because of the planning and preparations they had done well in advance.

“Having said that, it certainly wasn’t envisaged that we would have to put it all into practice at such short notice," he added.

"This was another example of how much the uncertainty around the countrywide situation can affect everything we do.

“The fact that we could implement our policies and procedures and do it smoothly, without any major issues, reflects the thought that went into it and how well the staff here know their jobs. It also demonstrates their flexibility and ability to do whatever is required, and shows that they can do their jobs well under pressure.”

He praised ticket office manager Louise Banks for overseeing the quick selling of 1,000 tickets in the space of three days, once the test event was confirmed - whilst also processing season-ticket payments, helped by part-time staff and club staff from other departments.

Getting the stadium itself ready, a process overseen by stadium manager David Mitchell, was another challenge Carlisle overcame, Clibbens added, likewise the way United got the message across to their fans.

“I wanted fans involved throughout, and honest engagement with CUSG [supporters' groups] and the wider fan base through ongoing communication and social media activity has been vital,” he said.

“The success of our communications was a big factor in terms of making Saturday a success overall. The fans took on the information and were terrific, which makes things much more straightforward.”

Clibbens also thanked cleaners Borderbrite, Carlisle Scaffolding - who constructed extended dugouts to help with social distancing - and Carlisle Glass and Pioneer Food Distribution, as well as volunteers from supporters' trust CUOSC.

“I am so proud of all involved and proud to have been part of it," he added.

United are inviting the 1,000 fans who were there to take part in a short survey about the day.

The voluntary survey is from the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) in conjunction with with UK Sport and the University of Edinburgh.

Results will help provide UK Sport, SGSA and all events with a report highlighting the "key feedback" from spectators across such events.

The survey can be found here.