David Ajiboye is targeting another positive result as Carlisle United prepare to face Solihull Moors, with the winger calling for the Blues to maintain their recent momentum and make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
United head into the weekend fixture looking to extend their unbeaten run and build on back-to-back away victories, with Ajiboye believing the squad’s response to a difficult spell has helped put them back on the right track.
The attacker knows there is still work to do, but is confident the team can continue climbing the table if they maintain their standards and take their chances.
“We've got to be ruthless,” he said. “We create a lot of chances, and we just need to at least put away half of them, I think, because we're getting a lot of chances.”
Ajiboye recognises the challenge that awaits at Solihull, despite their recent struggles for form, and insists United cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
“They're struggling for form, so we can't go there complacent, because I know it's early, but they're fighting to get out of where they are, so it's going to be a tough game,” he explained.
“We've just got to go in with the same mindset we were a few weeks ago, where we needed a win, and we still need a win now.”
With three fixtures in a week, the upcoming schedule presents an opportunity for Carlisle to make significant progress. Ajiboye knows the importance of taking that opportunity, but is determined to keep the focus firmly on the next game.
“It's just one game at a time,” he said. “Solihull on the weekend, look to get three points, then the next game during the week, look to get three points, and just build on that.”
He added: “I think a run of three games winning in a row will get you up the table, but we can't look too far ahead.”
The recent improvement follows a difficult period for United, with Ajiboye highlighting the togetherness and work rate within the squad as important factors in their response.
“Everyone's just been together,” he said. “I'm not saying we weren't together before, but I think everyone's dug in a bit more.
“Obviously, with the bad results that we've had, it's given a bit more incentive for everyone to do well and be together and work that extra bit harder. I think it's just important that we keep that as a minimum.”
The forward has also enjoyed his recent performances in a more advanced role alongside Regan Linney. Although he admits he has not regularly played up front since his teenage years, he has found the position enjoyable and is keen to make the most of the opportunity.
“I've enjoyed it, I've enjoyed it a lot,” he said. “Wherever I am on the pitch, I think in this system it's just enjoyable to play.
“It's just the fact of producing and keeping that spot for myself as well and staying in the team.”
Ajiboye also welcomed Linney’s recent goalscoring contribution, with the striker finding the net twice in the Emirates FA Cup victory over Tamworth.
“He was very important for us last season, got a lot of goals, so hopefully now he's got two [in the last game], he can just keep flying for us and help us climb up the table,” he said.
While Ajiboye is eager to see his own attacking numbers improve, he feels his recent contributions have been encouraging and is focused on building on them.
“There's been good performances, but I think I could have produced more in terms of the final product with goals and assists,” he said. “I think that will eventually come.
“I feel like the last few games I've got a few goals and assists, so I just want to continue and build on that.”
With the team looking to carry their improved form into another demanding week, Ajiboye is clear that the priority remains delivering on the pitch and turning performances into points.
“Not as we wanted and expected,” he said of the team’s season so far, “but we're just going to keep pushing and striving for more, because we want to be higher up the table, for sure.”
