Northampton Town boss Jon Brady says his side must find their “own motivation” against a Carlisle United side aiming to delay relegation.

This weekend’s hosts have enjoyed a solid season back in the third tier and sit 11th with four games to go.

Manager Brady admits it can be “tough” taking on sides like Carlisle who are fighting at the wrong end of the table and for whom defeat on Saturday would seal the drop to League Two.

And he said his team must not let their standards slip against Paul Simpson’s strugglers.

Speaking on the Cobblers’ website, Brady said: “We’ve got ourselves into a good position as a club and that’s what our focus is on,” he said.

“Sport can be brutal but it is also rewarding and our ability and togetherness has got us into this position and we want to end the season strong.

“Carlisle got a great result away at Peterborough [a 3-1 win on Good Friday] and we know that if you are not at your best at this level even for periods in matches you can be punished.

“It’s hard playing against teams who are fighting for their lives, survival is key for those teams and we have to find our own motivation to keep ourselves going and try and finish as high up the table as we can.”

News and Star: Ex-United man Patrick Brough, centre, has missed Northampton's last four games with injuryEx-United man Patrick Brough, centre, has missed Northampton's last four games with injury (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Brady pointed out that Northampton are in their highest position for 15 years.

They have adapted well after last season’s automatic promotion, with the core of their side showing few changes from the group that took them up in 2022/23.

Last time out the Cobblers defeated Port Vale 2-0 and Brady added: “We want to put in a strong performance to send the fans home happy.

“There were always going to be a couple of blips along the way this season playing at this level but overall we want the fans to look back on the season with good memories.

“We’ve taken everything head on and we want to finish the season attacking every game.

“As a club this is our highest position in 15 years and that is a huge achievement but we want to keep moving forward.

“I believe it’s been an even bigger achievement than the promotion last year.”

One player set to miss out this weekend is Cumbrian ex-Carlisle defender Patrick Brough, who has been sidelined for the last four games with a torn oblique muscle.

Another former Blues man, midfielder Jack Sowerby, should be in the home squad.

Defender Liam Moore is a doubt with a shoulder problem for Brady’s side.