Carlisle United striker Tristan Abrahams has thanked the club's fans for their support after his side's taking of the knee was roundly welcomed by those present at Brunton Park at the weekend.

Prior to the 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient, players from both teams took a stand against racism and discrimination in sport with the taking of the knee. Despite some dissenting voices at the first game of the league season against Colchester United, the reception was one of support this time around.

This came after pleas from players such as Abrahams and subsequently encouragement from Blues manager Chris Beech for the supporters to get behind the players following the events before the game against Colchester.

Abrahams, who scored Carlisle United's only goal in the 1-1 draw, stated that the support gave the players a boost ahead of kick-off.

He stated: "It was lovely. I really did appreciate it and I know a lot of the boys did. All we want is that support and so to see them get behind us meant a lot."

The former Leyton Orient forward also addressed the key aims of the movement and expressed his hope that supporters could see the message that the players were trying to get across by taking the knee.

"I just want it to be clear that we want equality in sport. We're standing here to say we are against racism. Like I said before, when we take the knee we just really want the fans to support us.

"As soon as we put that Carlisle shirt on we do everything we can to win for the supporters.

"Their faith in us as fans is massive so it's important for us that they know we are not kneeling from any political point of view, it's to stamp out all racism and discrimination from the game and so I'm glad that they are supporting us with that also."

Head coach Beech previously said the action should be respected.

“If it’s something you collectively decide to do and represent, support means to stand together and be next to each other,” he said.

"I think that’s what that message is in its entirety.

“If we’ve decided to do it you don’t want to hear that [booing], so join it and move on, really.

“It’s more for the players who are playing for you, and I think you see a little downturn in body language, or something like that, because it hurts them – of course it does.

“So just be respectful. Just respect. I think that word should be used and utilised more."

Despite the late equaliser at the weekend courtesy of Orient target man Harry Smith, Abrahams remained in buoyant mood and feels that the performance levels in early season game will soon be matched with points as the season continues.

"If you look at the games we've had and how we've played, of course, we know that we maybe could have taken more points but we know as well that this is a good foundation to build on," the striker said.

"As long as we turn these draws into wins, we know it's a long old season and we'll be in good shape come the end of the season."