James Tose is predicting a tougher test than many expect as he prepares to take his Carlisle City side to St Helens Town.

After two defeats in three matches, second-placed City returned to winning ways in style last Saturday with a 6-3 success over Daisy Hill.

They will now be looking to put another unbeaten run together to keep the pressure on Hallmark Security League First Division North leaders Longridge Town who are four points clear at the summit, starting against Town at the Arcoframe Stadium this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

St Helens are 15th in the league table, having taken 16 points from as many fixtures.

But Sky Blues boss Tose said: "Against any team that play on a 3G pitch, it’s always a different game.

"Looking at the table, they have got 11 of their 16 points at home.

"It will be a more challenging game than it looks when people glance at the league table.

"We will have to be at our best."

Tose will be without former Workington Reds man James Earl and defender Tyran Taylor through suspension.

Experienced Lee Hoolickin, Arron Bradbury and Jake Simpson will also miss out through work commitments while Jake’s cousin, Josh, is still injured.

"Again, we have to utilise the squad," Tose admitted.

"We need to put together a team that we think will be capable of getting the three points."

Prior to their victory against Daisy Hill, City had lost to Longridge in a top-of-the-table clash, conceded a last-minute equaliser at Steeton and then been knocked out of the Cumberland Cup as they fell to a 3-2 loss to Penrith.

Tose admitted that run of results had been “a bit of a kick in the teeth psychologically” for his team’s players before last Saturday’s victory.