Richie Bennett insists any talk of a promotion challenge should be kept at bay at Carlisle United until Christmas.

The striker admits spirits are high after the Blues' climb to fourth in League Two.

But Bennett says it is far too early for players to get carried away with their form.

And only after a consistent spell that lasts into the winter will they be entitled to think bigger.

"It's always nice to be up there or thereabouts," said Bennett, whose goal set up United's fightback win at Cambridge.

"But me personally, and the other lads are the same, we won't be watching the table until Christmas time.

"That’s when you can start thinking about pushing on and having a real good chance of getting to the play-offs."

Bennett has three goals so far in his second United campaign, including Saturday's header at the Abbey Stadium.

Strike partner Ashley Nadesan then clinched the points after the break.

Bennett said: "We didn’t start off very well, a bit like we did at Mansfield, so we had to get our heads on it.

"We knew things weren't working, so the gaffer changed it round and we grew into the game and gave a lot better response in the second half.

"It was important, though, to get a goal before half-time, which gave us a sniff and a chance to go and win the game.

"My goal was one of those moments when you're wondering is it in or not, but I was glad to see it go just under the crossbar.

"Everyone stood around, wondering has the ref given the goal, or is it offside, or a free-kick? But it was great to get the goal and it gave us a fighting chance for the second half.

"Then Nadesan's great finish helped us go on and win the game. That's just Nads for you.

"We tend to make something happen as a partnership. He probably knows that I'm gonna win some headers and have a good personal battle - I won't give the centre-halves an easy time, so he'll get something, a chance or half a chance."

Although Bennett has hit the scoresheet much sooner than in his first Football League campaign, the former Barrow man admits he is still aiming to be a more rounded centre-forward.

"The goals have never worried me - I know that will come if I keep getting in the right positions," he said. "But it's also about holding the ball up, and trying to help the team get us up that pitch.

"That's probably the most important role the gaffer demands of me. Keith [Curle] was the exact same. This year it's very important with a small squad that I've got to do that role and do it well for the lads."

United are now preparing for the visit of Tranmere, one of three home games in the next four fixtures.

"We've been very good at home, but all my goals have come away so far, so I need to get a home goal for the supporters," 27-year-old Bennett said.

"That's where your bread and butter is - make your home a fortress, make teams hate coming to Brunton Park.

"Even if I don’t get a goal, to get a win would be even better, just to keep it ticking over. The side's high on morale at the minute and we'll just try to keep chipping away."

This weekend's game will pit Bennett against his former Blues team-mate Mark Ellis in the Tranmere defence.

Bennett said: "I can't wait for that. We all know what he's about, so it will be good to see his big head again!"