Carlisle United have spoken of their gratitude to fans who declined refunds worth £45,000 in season-ticket money this season.

Blues supporters have only been allowed to attend five of the Blues' 23 home games in League Two in 2020/21 because of Covid-19.

But United have now revealed the extent to which many fans agreed to continue backing the club despite most matches being played behind closed doors.

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens explained that season-ticket income had fallen from £275,000 in 2019/20 to £45,000 this season.

"The £45,000 is from fans who generously bought tickets and have not been refunded," Clibbens said.

"This financial help is superb and we are truly grateful to our supporters.

"After Southend [the season's first home game in September, a test event for 1,000 fans], they were able to come to only four season ticket games [in December] and have been forced to watch the remaining 18 on iFollow."

Clibbens' remarks came in an update on United's website as he gave more details on the financial impact of the pandemic.

The director said that over a 12-month period from March last year, United had missed out on about £1.3m of the income they would normally expect to make.

That would rise to £1.6m by the end of June.

He said overall ticket income this season was down by £675,000 to just £75,000.

That included walk-up match ticket income at £30,000, down by £425,000.

Other business income, from commercial, retail and other matchday income, came in at £400,000, down by £275,000.

As we remain under these coronavirus restrictions, this continues to increase at the rate of circa £150,000 per playing month.

Clibbens said the "lost" income was set against aspects like cost savings, iFollow revenue, bailout money, furlough, ticket money donations and 'football fortune' - money from player sales and cup runs.

United had earlier revealed that their 2019/20 accounts will show a profit of more than £750,000 - a result of £1.1m in income from player sales.