The live-streaming service that has been a lifeline to fans is set to earn Carlisle United £350,000 over the season.

iFollow is the only way supporters have been able to watch all but five of Carlisle's league games at Brunton Park this season.

And the Blues have highlighted the invaluable financial help it has given them at a time Covid-19 has prevented them from allowing fans into their ground - and also denied supporters the chance to visit away grounds to watch the Cumbrians.

The official matchday streaming platform has seen "tremendous" take-up, according to chief executive Nigel Clibbens.

"We have earned £280,000 in 36 games to the end of March," said Clibbens on the Blues' website.

"This is a crucial flow of new income.

"In February we thought this could rise to over £250,000. With the tremendous fan support since then it looks to be heading to be around £350,000 by the end of the season."

The six-figure amount is one of the ways United have mitigated against heavy losses as a result of a collapse in normal ticket income.

It is currently unclear how the iFollow service will continue next season, by which time the EFL hope crowds can return to "normality".

Clibbens added: "Fans can’t be at games but we know you are with the team in spirit.

"It has been no substitute for live action in person, but it has made a real difference, as can be seen.

"The support has been brilliant, even in the recent weeks when results have not been what we would want.

"With two games every week for a long time, the cost to fans of watching every game soon starts to mount up.

"A big thank you to everyone who has backed the team in this way."

Fans have only been allowed in United's ground five times this season - limited to 1,000 for September's game against Southend, and then 2,000 for four fixtures in December.