Mark Hughes has called for the same “cup final” attitude for Carlisle United as they prepare for the latest challenge in their push for survival.
The Blues this weekend take on bogey side Harrogate Town in the hope that a first ever league win over the Sulphurites can close the gap to safety.
Carlisle, three points adrift after four unbeaten games, will attempt to win for the first time in eight league meetings with Simon Weaver’s side – and the first time in six visits to The Exercise Stadium.
A win, coupled with defeats for third-bottom Tranmere Rovers against Bromley and second-bottom Morecambe to MK Dons, can lift Hughes’ side out of the relegation zone.
The head coach says the importance of each game cannot be overstated.
“Every game we play now is the old cliché – every game's a cup final,” said Hughes.
“We're feeling that at the moment.
The Blues are overdue some better fortunes at Wetherby Road...to say the least (Image: News & Star)
“But that gives you a focus, it gives you an understanding of what's required, so it keeps you on your toes.
"We'll go into it with the same attitude again.”
Carlisle’s 1-1 draw with leaders Walsall this week saw them lose no further ground at the foot of the table, with 12 games left to save their EFL status.
A win or a draw in Yorkshire on Saturday would make it their longest unbeaten run of the league campaign. Opponents Harrogate are fifth-bottom, eight points above the drop zone and ten above United.
Hughes feels that Carlisle’s six points from their last four games has applied pressure on sides above them.
“We’re drawing teams back towards us, and maybe a few weeks ago that didn't seem possible, [and] we've certainly got more than just hope,” added the head coach.
“We've got good players that can affect games, and we've just got to keep in a similar vein in terms of our results in the last couple of matches.”
Hughes is assessing the fitness of Cameron Harper after a groin issue saw the left-back left out of Tuesday’s squad. The head coach suggested it had been a precautionary measure with the expectation that Harper would be able to return to the squad this weekend.
If Harper is indeed fit it will give Hughes a selection decision to make in defence, having recalled Aaron Hayden against Walsall, the centre-back going on to score his first of the season in a solid individual performance. Terell Thomas moved to left-back during the game as Hughes switched from three centre-backs to a back four midway through the first half.
Former United captain Paul Thirlwell is the Harrogate No2 (Image: Ben Holmes)
Hughes said this sort of adaptability is important as United try to plot a way to safety.
“I think the players understand we’ll make changes and move people around,” added the Blues boss.
“They just have to trust myself and Glyn [Hodges, assistant] that we know what we’re doing, and if the opposition are causing you a problem you have to address it.
Joe Bevan, who was ruled out on Tuesday with a hamstring problem, is another player being assessed in the build-up to the game at Harrogate, whose assistant manager is the former United captain Paul Thirlwell.
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