By Matt Spooner - Carlisle United Supporters' Trust

Doors closing. This lift is going up. As the doors opened, level 2 of the East Stand, containing two new hospitality areas, the boardroom and new chairman’s lounge, was open for the very first game, and completely sold out, marking a huge step forward for the club off the pitch.

On the pitch, it was a contrasting performance to the last game. The 70 per cent possession felt more positive and the fact we had 25+ shots echoes this. 

The performance wasn’t perfect, there are still actions we need to make more habitual and there are obviously still things to tighten up on, but the vast majority of previous criticisms were better, and it is talking about these positives that will help keep us focused on the journey.

It is sometimes hard to focus on positives when there are negatives there, and when those negatives are being so heavily focused on by media outlets and on social media. We can not be oblivious to them, of course we can’t, but we also can not paint a picture of doom and gloom and ignore the shoots of progress as they come along.

Over 8,000 fans took advantage of the slashed ticket prices as part of the Big Gate for Harrogate push. Those fans proudly came together in the eighth minute to flood the ground with a minute's applause, organised by fans' groups, to celebrate the life of Jay Cartmell and show collective condolences following his tragic passing. Thank you to the travelling Harrogate fans who also joined in. 

We were honoured to welcome Chris and his son Evan into the boardroom yesterday, as the most recent winners of the boardroom experience. Afterwards Chris commented:

"What an unbelievable experience my son and I had on Saturday. Every single second of our day was first class, from the initial walk-around to the boardroom experience, we never wanted for a single thing. 

"When in the boardroom we were very kindly looked after by the eager catering staff and our very knowledgeable chaperone Matt, who represents the Trust on the 1921 board, with both on hand for our every need.  

"The new facilities in the East stand are something else. Having been to a couple of Premier league hospitality events I can comfortably say the new facilities and experience surpass them. I cannot recommend the facilities enough, they truly are exceptional and full praise must go to the Piatak family for moving our club forward. 

"Once again I am so grateful for winning the Supporters' Trust experience, for £10 a year we have had an amazing day, I'm so glad I am a member and very grateful for the attention given to my son & I by Matt."

For your chance to win, you can join the Trust: https://www.cust.org.uk/join/

You can buy tickets for your next visit to Brunton Park here: https://carlisleunitedfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets