Thanks to Martin, from the London Branch, for this account of his trip to Brunton Park.

To learn more about the London Branch, click HERE.

It had been far too long! I'd not been to Fortress Brunton for over four years, and what a day to return.

My young nephew treated me to a pint in the Sunset Suite before the game and I felt my age as I saw all the pictures of my heroes of latter years at the top of the stairs ... including good old Twinkletoes! How could we ever forget him running out to the centre circle before each game (and great to see Olga has returned to that centre spot!)

So reminiscing and some sighs but soon down to business. I must say I thought the place was looking grand. More than just a good paint job too! It'll look smashing with seats in the Warwick.

One thing doesn't change though and that's how quiet and dignified the crowd is in the Paddock. I've always stood there, ever since I was 5 and my dad used to take me to reserve games, when I got sweets from Joe Dean (remember him?!). And Saturday was no different ... it took a while for the fans to get going, but they soon did.

Two teams ready for better times ahead after a few years of anguish. And you could tell that too, both sets of fans crying out for those days of glory ahead of us, memories of the Conference and the wet days at Forest Green diminishing.

It was a closely fought match with everyone on both sides demonstrating a determination and a passion, which is what any of us wants to enjoy.

I was very impressed with what Mr Ward has put together, a team who watch out for and listen to each other; a team ready to be self-less with no-one seeking self glory. This is what the Championship will see when we get there.

The recent signings were all on form and the crowd's welcome as warm as ever, the resonant "We love you Carlisle , we do!" ringing round ... and even the Paddock joining in!

I thought Hackney was going to set us up with a fine start when following an excellent pass from Grant Smith (who I thought was clever, speedy and creative) he made the Donny keeper work hard.

But then Donny weren't going to prove easy and they certainly piled on the pressure. Somehow though the lads had done their homework and every time Donny got the ball over to their frontmen, there we were (especially young Joe Garner, I can see why he's the top scorer, lively and enthusiastic. He would have played well alongside Bobby Parker!!) and we soaked up that South Yorkshire gritty effort. But then you'd expect nowt else from tough Cumbrians! (I miss that down in Bournemouth and it's certainly not something you'd see at The Cherries!)

My half-time Bovril was on the boil when Danny Graham's superb finish really set us up and even The Paddock came to life!

Cleveland Taylor (about whom I knew little before the game) showed a talent from which I'm sure we'll benefit with the quickly timed run and then his excellent cross to Danny to fire it past Donny's helpless keeper.

1-0 and still another half to come.

I was impressed with the way Donny came out all guns firing. Their determination and skill was clearly why they'll be up there with us come May battling to get out of League One. But our young, vibrant team showing a clear strategy of dogged-togetherness answered all the Donny challenges and the pressure subsided.

At no time did the game lose any colour.

I left feeling really uplifted and so chuffed that my visit north had included this memorable match.

What with walking along the banks of the Derwent at Grange over the same weekend and enjoying the delights of Botchergate on the Saturday night, as well as my sister's home cooking, I ought not to leave it as long until I'm back.

Thanks lads for a great result and a fantastic season so far.

Well done Mr Story and congrats to you Mr Ward.

Currently living in Bournemouth where he is Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Bournemouth and where, when asked if he supports The Cherries, says: "I'm afraid there's only one team for me and only ever can be!"