Harrison Neal believes one win can shake Carlisle United out of their current struggles and put them on a better path.

The midfielder says there was plenty of frustration at Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Harrogate Town after the Blues dominated by failed to win.

But Neal believes the positivity introduced to the club by Mike Williamson and his coaching staff will pay off in the end.

United head to Walsall tonight seeking a first victory in seven in all competitions.

“I think the main word for it is frustration, because I feel like we dominated for 80 per cent of the game [on Saturday] and we just couldn't quite get that finishing touch,” Neal said.

“When you’re in a bit of a rut, it seems like every ball drops to [the opposition].

“Hopefully, eventually, one drops to us and we can put it in. And then, I think if we get that first win, then it just settles everything and we should be fine.”

The midfielder played a strong part in United’s performance at the weekend and produced a goal-saving challenge to deny Harrogate sub Sam Folarin a late winner.

Yet he admitted the finishing touch to displays such as Saturday’s has to come – likewise shutting down moments like Harrogate’s opening goal.

"We dominated possession, but it's both boxes that matter, ultimately. And we just weren't quite good enough in both of them,” he said.

“Obviously, everyone's frustrated about where we are [second bottom after 12 games]. It's not a good position to be in. But if we keep working hard, keep training hard, eventually it will come.”

Neal made a vital challenge to deny Harrogate a late winnerNeal made a vital challenge to deny Harrogate a late winner (Image: Ben Holmes)

Neal, left out of Williamson’s opening XIs, has soon regained his place and the January signing says he’s enjoying the challenge of adapting to a new style of play under the head coach and his colleagues.

“They’ve been class since I've come in,” said the 23-year-old. “They try to be positive with everything they do.

“Obviously, it's a change of style and we're getting used to it still. I've never really played in a team that's been so ball-dominant in my career so far. It's different, but I've enjoyed it so far.

“The results don’t show for it yet. But if we keep performing like we did on Saturday… you'd win that game nine times out of ten.”

Neal is facing the double task of trying to convince a new boss of his attributes, and also retaining his place amid growing midfield competition, not least with Callum Guy now back to fitness.

“When a new manager comes in, they’ve got no loyalty to anyone,” he said. “And everyone's got to prove themselves again.

“In terms of the team, you’ve always got to be ready. I call it healthy competition. If playing, they [the other midfielders] will be pushing me from behind, and if I come out of the team, I'll be pushing them.”

United tonight head to a Walsall side riding high in third place after a strong start to the campaign. Yet Neal insists Carlisle will go there in good spirits.

“I feel we’ll go there confident,” he said. “Especially after [Saturday]. I feel like we've played well. So if we can take good bits out of that, and cut out the silly moments, I'm sure we'll be all right.”