Manager Keith Curle today saluted the unsung heroes behind Carlisle United's table-topping form.

The Blues boss has highlighted the work of David Mitchell and his groundstaff - and said it should not be underestimated at Brunton Park.

Award-winning Mitchell and his staff helped ensure Saturday's game against Mansfield beat the overnight frost.

United went on to beat the Stags 5-2 to reach the summit of League Two.

Curle also said their work at the Blues' training facilities at Creighton also helped their vital preparation in a week when temperatures fell below freezing.

United's boss said: "People only see probably what they see at Brunton Park, but the training ground has been absolutely phenomenal.

"That is down to the work Dave and his lads have put into making sure our training facility hasn't hampered or altered how we want to train and prepare for games.

"For the workload that goes into that - to Dave and his body of men, a massive thank-you from all of us."

Curle felt the Brunton Park surface was in great condition on Saturday despite fears earlier in the day that the game was in doubt.

Mansfield boss Steve Evans has since described the call for a midday inspection as "mind games", suggesting it was always going to be playable.

Curle, though, said the concerns over parts of the pitch were genuine and led the club to contact referee Seb Stockbridge to carry out the inspection.

United's boss said: "I think there were genuinely concerns in the morning.

"I had phonecalls from Dave Mitchell and [club secretary] Sarah McKnight regarding the pitch inspection.

"I've got to thank the referee for coming in early, and taking the advice and listening to the club officials to come back and have another look, another inspection, at a time when more sunshine had got on it.

"I thought the pitch played absolutely fantastic for both sides."

This Saturday's visit of Rochdale in the FA Cup is unlikely to be in any doubt, with temperatures set to remain above freezing later this week.