Kristian Dennis insists Carlisle United won’t be going to Sutton United to play it safe.
A point would be enough for the Blues to make certain of a play-off place.
Even a defeat should see United hold on to a top-seven spot provided Mansfield Town don’t win at Colchester United and also achieve a goal difference swing of eight, as well as Salford City and Bradford City both avoiding defeat.
But top scorer Dennis says it is not in Carlisle’s nature to hedge their bets.
He says they will be setting up to win at Gander Green Lane next Monday in order to head into the play-offs on a positive note.
“We’re going to Sutton for the win,” said 21-goal Dennis.
“We’re not going there to scrape a point. We’ll go for the win and see where that leaves us.
“Whether that’s fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh...as long as we’re in there we’ll fancy our chances.”
Carlisle will know their fate come full time in south London, in a game which kicks off at 12.30pm.
That will entail Blues fans making a 3am departure from Carlisle in order to cheer on Paul Simpson’s side in the last game of the league season.
King Charles III’s coronation means games have been put back from the normal Saturday.
A big travelling support will be backing the Blues regardless as United aim to set up an exciting finale to 2022/23.
Dennis, meanwhile, believes those Carlisle players with experience past play-off success can benefit United.
Paul Huntington and Joe Garner have tasted play-off glory in the past with Preston North End.
“A few lads have been there and done it, like Hunts and Garns – they’ve been there and won at Wembley,” the striker said.
“I think that’ll help, because I’ve only been there and lost [with Notts County against Harrogate Town in 2020’s National League play-off final].
“Hopefully that will change this season – fingers crossed.”
A victory for Carlisle at Sutton would ensure a home second leg in the play-off semi-final.
They are fifth in the table and ahead of Salford City and Bradford City on goal difference, and three ahead of Mansfield.
A Blues win would make it likely that they would face one of those sides in the play-offs, with fourth-placed Stockport County three points ahead of the trio with a better goal difference, and still in with a shout of automatic promotion.
They are hoping to knock Northampton Town down from third place on the last day.
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