Keeper Adam Collin believes Carlisle United must take the game to Grimsby tonight in a bid to get their home form back on track.

The Blues host the out-of-sorts Mariners seeking to bounce back from Saturday's defeat to Stevenage.

Collin admits United's inconsistent results have been frustrating but believes a positive start tonight can lead to a better Brunton Park outcome.

"Especially at home, if we score early, it forces the other team to come out a lot more, and on a big pitch we can exploit them," the Cumbrian said.

"You always expect to win your games at home.

"If we start well, put pressure on Grimsby, maybe go a goal up, you'll see a different sort of team and performance.

"It's all about getting that first goal and pressing them from there."

Tonight's opponents have lost their last six league games and have not been victorious in League Two since the second weekend of the campaign.

United are 11th after their defeat at the weekend but remain level on points with fifth in a tight division.

Collin said: "You've got to pick up points consistently if you want to be in the play-offs or the top three.

"It's been frustrating, but it's not like we're playing badly.

"If we weren't creating chances whilst getting beat at home that would be a big issue.

"We are creating a lot - we're just not taking them."

Manager John Sheridan could make changes tonight, while the boss's main injury concerns are Richie Bennett (groin) and Jack Sowerby (knee).

Collin, meanwhile, says he is happy with how he has performed since coming back into the Blues side.

The man from Great Salkeld, who rejoined United this summer, stepped into the team after Joe Fryer's injury against Crewe in August.

"All round I'm happy with how I'm playing, but I'd rather have three points in games like Saturday's," the ex-Workington, Rotherham and Notts County keeper said.

"When I signed the manager said we both had to come in and compete, and was happy to have two guys who could be number one goalkeeper.

"I'm happy my form is alright but we just want to keep picking up points."

Collin also had some words of praise for another Cumbrian who has forced his way into the first-team squad - 17-year-old Liam McCarron.

On the Appleby teenager, who has signed professional terms, Collin said: "It's fantastic, and especially to have another Cumbrian in the team.

"He's got a lot of talent, has done well when he has come on and has impressed in training.

"He looks sharp, has quick feet, and especially around the box that can cause real problems for the opposition.

"Hopefully he will go on to have a good career."

Manager Sheridan, meanwhile, insists Grimsby cannot be taken for granted despite their recent poor form.

"Every game is hard and Grimsby are a good team," he said.

"I've watched them, and although they're not getting the results, they're a good footballing side.

"I don't look at teams just because they're bottom of the league…it's a very hard league and you can't predict [what you're going to get]."

Grimsby are set to be without Harry Davis and Akin Famewo, while former United loanee Jordan Cook is hoping to recover from a knock.