Mike Williamson says there will be “no feeling sorry for ourselves” as Carlisle United bid to bounce back tonight.

The Blues’ second home game under the head coach in the space of four days sees them take on Notts County in League Two (Brunton Park, 7.45pm).

Carlisle are seeking a quick response to the disappointment of defeat to Grimsby Town on Saturday, when Williamson’s side conceded two goals late on.

Now they face a high-flying Magpies side who sit fourth in the table.

Williamson acknowledged that Stuart Maynard’s visitors will pose a difficult test but said it offers United the chance to respond to Saturday.

“It’s going to be one of one of the tougher games of the season and we know that they [Notts] have got some quality players,” said the Blues’ new head coach.

“They've got a way of playing, but it's a good opportunity for us to bounce back.

“There's no feeling sorry for ourselves. The lads know how difficult it's going to be [but] I think it's a good one for us.”

United are aiming to bounce back from Saturday's defeatUnited are aiming to bounce back from Saturday's defeat (Image: Ben Holmes)

Williamson looks likely to be without midfielder Dylan McGeouch again tonight after he missed the Grimsby game with a calf problem.

The Blues boss, speaking after the 3-2 defeat, said it was “highly unlikely” that the Scot would be back to face Notts.

The United head coach could consider a recall for Jon Mellish after the defender was a substitute on Saturday, Williamson having taken him out of the XI with Mellish having recently been through a difficult personal situation.

Terell Thomas is also pushing for a recall at the back as Carlisle target their first positive home result under their new boss.

Williamson says he is seeing positive signs from his team in spite of Saturday’s setback, which was a sixth defeat in eight league games this season.

“Of course we want to win games, and it’s largely down to the boys to be able to embrace what we’re doing,” he said.

“They have done that immensely.

“Of course when you're in a bad period and the momentum is down and you're going through a difficult situation it is hard to turn things around.

“But I see big signs of these lads improving.

“It is going to take time, and they need patience – we just need to keep focused on how we improve rather than any of the other areas.”

Visitors Notts are without star winger Jodi Jones, who has suffered a fractured tibia.

Their former Carlisle defender Rod McDonald, who joined in the summer, has yet to feature in the league because of injury but Maynard recently said the centre-back was getting close to full fitness - ex-Blues striker Cedwyn Scott also nearing a return.