Mike Williamson admits the mood is “lighter” at Carlisle United as a result of their unbeaten run.

But the head coach says the work ethic on the training ground will not change as the Blues look to build on their improvement.

United are unbeaten in four games in league and cup after a series of more solid performances.

They are, though, bottom of League Two on goal difference with a huge amount of work ahead to improve their position.

Carlisle host high-flying Crewe Alexandra on Saturday – a day when the sides above them on goal difference, Morecambe and Swindon Town, are in FA Cup action.

It offers the Blues the opportunity to climb. Williamson, following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with promotion-chasing Doncaster Rovers, said: “It makes the environment feel that little bit lighter – but it's my job to make sure the input and output doesn't change whether we win 3-0 or we lose 3-0.

“We’ve still got loads of ground to cover and improvements to make.

Williamson says United's preparation is unchanged as they look to build on recent improvementsWilliamson says United's preparation is unchanged as they look to build on recent improvements (Image: Ben Holmes)

“It’s a fantastic place to be, the lads enjoy coming in every single day and we've just got to make sure we keep building.”

United have tightened up considerably in recent weeks, having taken five points from their last three league games.

Turning their improvement into more regular victories is the next step, Carlisle having won just one of their last ten League Two fixtures.

United were denied a late winner against Doncaster and Williamson said the team must keep pushing as hard as possible to get wins on the table.

“All we can do is keep pushing the needle, keep working hard, speaking to the lads,” he added to BBC Cumbria.

“It's not easy to be successful and to make sure you do it consistently, and there's only one way of doing that – and that is working.

“I'm very, very optimistic but my focus is on making sure we dust ourselves down and [have more good training sessions].”

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