Carlisle United Head Coach Rob Elliot is looking forward to another big occasion at Brunton Park as the Blues prepare to welcome Salford City in the Emirates FA Cup.
United head into Saturday’s tie in excellent form, having gone seven games unbeaten and recorded three victories in the space of a week.
Elliot was delighted with the way his side have responded to a difficult spell, highlighting the consistency and togetherness shown by the players and staff.
“It's brilliant for everyone,” he said. “Where we were a month ago, it's great that we've been consistent with what we've been doing as well, which I think is the key.
“When we went through those tough times, the staff and the players stayed consistent. We've had to adapt a few little things, but the most important part is that we've come through it together as a group and a club.”
The Head Coach was particularly pleased with the performances in a demanding week, which included two tough away fixtures before a memorable home victory against Harrogate Town.
He now wants the squad to use that momentum as a platform for the weeks ahead.
“We just need to make sure we make it worth it,” he explained. “Don't just put ourselves through that and put all the work in and go through the pain barriers. Let's make sure we keep pushing on and use it as a base to move forward.”
Attention now turns to the Emirates FA Cup, with United facing a Salford side Elliot believes are among the strongest in the division above.
The visitors arrive at Brunton Park in outstanding form, having won eight consecutive games, and currently sit at the top of Sky Bet League Two.
“It's an opportunity for us to play against a side that are absolutely flying, top of League Two and deservedly so,” Elliot said.
“The squad's immense for that level. It's probably one of the best squads I've seen in League Two. They've recruited extremely well and they've got 22, 23, 24 top players to choose from.
“They have a good style of play and they're consistent. They try to control the ball, so we'll have to make sure we have the press right and that we're ready to go.”
Elliot also acknowledged that the cup tie presents an opportunity to manage the squad, with a number of players carrying knocks and niggles, but stressed that the priority remains progressing to the next round.
“For us, with the squad and the way it's been, it's obviously an opportunity to give people minutes and rest players. Ultimately, we want to make sure that we give ourselves the best chance to win the game.
“We want to be in the hat for the next round.”
The Blues faced Salford during pre-season, when the visitors claimed a 2-0 victory, but Elliot believes there were positives to take from that encounter.
United enjoyed spells of good pressing and created opportunities, and the Head Coach is keen for his players to take confidence from those moments while recognising the quality of the opposition.
“It's good for our lads to have had that look already. The lads who were here understand that you've got to give them the respect because they're very good players and a very good team. But at times we hurt them.
“We were good on the press and had some good opportunities. It's all experiences really, but the big thing for me is let's just have another great occasion.”
With a place in the next round at stake, Elliot is also hoping the Carlisle supporters can help create another memorable atmosphere at Brunton Park.
“Let's get the fans going. Let's get another afternoon where we can hopefully go and cause another massive upset,” he added.
“It's another challenge for us, another good opportunity for us to become even tighter as a unit, as a team, as a club and as a community, and go out there and give it our best.
“Hopefully that's enough, and the reward is to go and get another draw in the FA Cup and hopefully have another good day out for the club, the fans and everyone involved.”
