Consistency is something Carlisle City Football Club have been lacking this season - and manager James Tose is growing increasingly frustrated with having to tinker with his squad.

The Sky Blues have been forced into wholesale changes to their starting line-up on a number of occasions already this term.

City began life in the Hallmark Security League with a 4-3 win over St Helen's Town on the opening day of the season last month but boss Tose had to make six changes for their second game against Stockport Town - and the trouble to name a settled side has continued ever since.

Today, Tose will be without the services of Ryan Errington and Michael Reed.

On the absence of Errington, Tose said: "Ryan Errington missing out is a massive blow because he is our top scorer at the minute and he is in great form."

Despite struggling to select a settled team, Carlisle City have made a reasonable start to their debut Hallmark Security League campaign and are in 12th position on 11 points off eight games, ahead of this afternoon's clash against Team Northumbria in the FA Vase (3pm kick-off).

But the Sky Blues have fallen to back-to-back defeats in the past week at Whitchurch Alport (3-1) and Silsden (2-1), although Tose is not overly-concerned with the defeats at this stage.

On failing to get a settled side out, he added: "It is difficult. You try to look for consistency.

"It (changes) keep the players happy because everyone is getting game time. But it is difficult in game situations.

"We have had to strip everything back and be really good at the basics."

Tuesday saw Mark Birch resign as Penrith Football Club manager - less than a week after taking a job.

In a Penrith AFC club statement, Birch said: "After a lot of thought and consideration, I have decided to commit my own future development to the Carlisle United Academy (where he is an Academy Foundation Phase Lead Coach)."

Tose himself also works for Carlisle United in the community and is also the head of Carlisle United Futsal as well as being the Carlisle City manager.

And, although the Sky Blues' boss did not want to comment specifically on the situation with Birch, he feels comfortable juggling his multiple roles.

"I have got a lot to do in the community at Carlisle United," he said.

"I'm also involved in the teaching side with the futsal. My situation changed a few months ago when I became a father.

"So, it is nice to get some of the weekend to spend with family and stuff like that.

"It is hard work balancing and juggling everything but I'm used to it."

Today's FA Vase first qualifying round clash against Northern League, Division Two league leaders Team Northumbria will be the start of back-to-back home matches for City at Gillford Park, as they also return to Hallmark Security League action next Saturday against Litherland REMYCA.