Two months and nine days after Brunton Park lost itself to play-off bedlam…Carlisle United are back home today.

The Blues’ pre-season clash with Dundee United is their first game at their ground since the unforgettable victory over Bradford City.

That memorable afternoon, featuring extra-time drama, Ben Barclay’s winner, a 15,401 crowd and a pitch invasion, was a major step on the road to promotion.

Now as they prepare for life in League One, they return for their solitary home friendly ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

“It is nice to be back home,” said assistant manager Gavin Skelton, “3pm at Brunton Park, to carry on that momentum.

“I know it’s a friendly, but hopefully we’ll get a decent crowd.”

That wish may be checked by criticism from some fans at the Blues’ pricing of this afternoon’s game.

Adult tickets for the friendly are £18.

It has seen rare criticism of United in a period where much of their off-field work has come in for praise in recent times.

Assistant manager Skelton added: “Hopefully the shirt sales and everything is a good sign that the club’s going in the right direction, and hopefully people come on Saturday.

“I think it showed at the Bradford game, Barrow at home…you forget how important a place it can be.

“We want that to start on Saturday but especially a week on Saturday against Fleetwood.”

News and Star: Sam Lavelle is among the players anticipating a home debut todaySam Lavelle is among the players anticipating a home debut today (Image: Barbara Abbott)

The Bradford showdown went down in Brunton Park folklore and the Blues No2 added: “Because of the Wembley game [the play-off final against Stockport County], the last home game gets overshadowed, against Bradford at Brunton Park – and that was a special occasion.

“Hopefully we can have a few more this year.”

Manager Simpson is expected to field a strong side in a key afternoon amid preparations for the big League One kick-off.

Summer signings Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Dan Butterworth will all be hoping for home debuts.

The returning loanee Fin Back is also set to get his first outing since rejoining Carlisle.

And former loan men Barclay, Jack Robinson and Alfie McCalmont are also hoping for their first outings since rejoining Carlisle permanently.

“It feels more proper, being back there on a Saturday, and with a week to go,” added Skelton.

“It’s not the same as the real thing but it’s a step up, a notch up towards where we want to be.”