Captain Danny Grainger says there is no need for Carlisle United to rip up their blueprint after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time in nearly two years.

The Blues' cup reversals against Rochdale and Mansfield saw their first successive setbacks since February 2015's relegation battle.

But United return to League Two action at Luton this weekend with a chance of returning to the top of the table, with leaders Doncaster facing third-placed Plymouth.

And skipper Grainger said: "That's three defeats in 28 overall, so we must be doing something right.

"The last two results have been very disappointing but we don't rip up the sheet of paper we've got going at the moment and start again.

"We just have to get back to what we have been doing and make sure we're right on Saturday."

Grainger admitted United were below par against Mansfield in the Checkatrade Trophy and took little solace from the fact the team can now focus completely on their promotion push.

The Cumbrian, who had stitches in a cut above his eye on Tuesday night, said: "We wanted to go as far as we could in the competition. We've seen before what it means to get to the final and the way our fans travel to Wembley.

"It would have been fantastic to have that day out, but from day one we've said our bread and butter is getting us out of League Two.

"Now all our focus is on winning the championship."

Saturday sees United return to the scene of last season's amazing 4-3 win, which saw Keith Curle's side come back from 3-1 down.

Grainger said: "We don't give up and we never will, whether we're 2-0 down, 3-1 down or whatever. That also showed against Exeter a couple of weeks ago.

"I remember the game against Shrewsbury a couple of years ago, when we were 1-0 up going into added time and got beat 2-1.

"That was the worst feeling I've had in football. I didn't want to experience that again.

Luton will include former Blues loan winger Alex Gilliead on Saturday and Grainger said: "We'll see what he's got in his locker.

"Alex is a fantastic player, he showed that last year here and we'd have loved to have got him back. But Newcastle wanted him to go to Luton for a different experience and scenario, away from home, out of his comfort zone. He's one for the future, a fantastic talent."

* United will have a fan zone marquee at Brunton Park before the Yeovil game on Saturday, December 17, with live music, drinks offers and former players in attendance.

Season-ticket holders can also claim a free drink by collecting a voucher upon presenting their season-ticket card at the marquee entrance.