Head Coach Rob Elliot says Carlisle United should approach Saturday's clash with Southend United full of belief as they look to get back to winning ways.
The Shrimpers arrive in Cumbria in strong form, setting up an intriguing test for United as they look to make the most of home advantage and put last weekend’s defeat to Boreham Wood behind them.
While Elliot acknowledges there is still room for improvement within his squad, he believes the Blues have shown enough in recent weeks to be confident heading into another major test.
He said: "I think the thing is, when you come away, and the emotion settles, and you watch the game a couple of times, and you see things, you realise that we're in a good place in terms of the way we're going about things.
"That last 10-15% now needs to go up in terms of the ruthless nature.
"I keep using the word ruthless, but I think it does apply to us in terms of, I think the foundations are there. What we're trying to do is there. We're creating opportunities."
Despite defeat in Hertfordshire last weekend, Elliot was encouraged by many aspects of the performance and feels there is still significant untapped potential within the group.
He believes the challenge now is for his players to continue embracing their identity and take confidence from the progress already made.
"I still don't think we're fully there yet. I don't think the potential of this group has really been uncovered.
"But I just want to see even more belief. I want to see even more desire to be the best version, but also take on that identity and make it our own."
Southend arrive in Cumbria as one of the division's early pace-setters and represent another stern examination for Elliot's side.
But the Blues boss insists his team must focus on their own strengths and continue building on the principles that have underpinned their performances so far this season.
"Our identity is we want to be front-footed, we want to be aggressive, and we want to dominate the ball.
"We're getting better in all those areas, you know, it's clear to see, but it doesn't mean we've cracked it.
"We just need to make sure that we're more consistent with it and players just learn and develop and get better each week."
