Steven Pressley says only a win at Forest Green today will prove that Carlisle United are serious about promotion.

The Blues head to the New Lawn (kick-off 3pm) hoping for a major improvement on Tuesday night’s efforts against Notts County.

It sees United up against one of their play-off rivals, with sixth-placed Forest Green a point ahead of the Cumbrians.

It represents another big afternoon in the race for a top-seven place.

But after their midweek efforts saw Carlisle slip out of the play-off zone, Pressley admits a reaction today is paramount – and only three points will do.

“They [the players] have to react positively. They have to react how Notts County reacted to their own defeat the previous weekend.

“They came to us and showed a determination and we have to show that [today].

“Of course it is another tough game. But they’re all tough games in this division. We have to ensure that we win if we are going to be serious.

“We have to show much better than we did [on Tuesday]. That’s the reality of the situation.”

Pressley is considering further selection changes today with Nathan Thomas, who turned in an encouraging sub display against Notts, among those hoping for a call-up.

United’s boss has also said he will mull over a possible change to the 4-3-3 system he has recently been using.

Carlisle’s attacking line-up will be a crucial department given Mark Cullen’s absence for a big chunk of the run-in to a groin injury.

Pressley has said that, despite the disappointment at his side’s efforts at Brunton Park four days ago, people should not forget the good position United are still in.

They remain just a point outside the top seven and Pressley said: “The recent form hasn’t been good enough but we are still in the hunt and we can’t lose sight of that.

“We can’t keep tagging along with all this negativity. There has to be a change, at least a positive outlook.

“We’re in a [good] situation. John [Sheridan] did a lot of really good work, and we’re in a situation where, at the start of the season, I don’t think a lot of fans envisaged.

“But we are in this situation, so now’s the time we need to focus on that and really get behind that.”

With just nine games remaining, Pressley conceded that there is more and more riding on each game.

That includes today’s clash with Mark Cooper’s side in what is only the Blues’ second visit to the New Lawn, a Richie Bennett goal having given them victory at the Glouceshireshire ground last term.

Manager Pressley added: “They’re all like this at this moment in time – they’re all defining games, especially when you’re playing teams in and around you.

“It’s a big, big game.

“My message is no different. We have to as a group, as a team, do our utmost to try and gain promotion, and that’s not gonna change.

“We all have a responsibility. We have nine games to go, still have the chance to do it, and it’s important we focus on that.

“The reality is there’s a lot of sides having indifferent periods just now. Forest Green had a defeat last weekend but bounced back [on Tuesday] and showed character.

“We had a good result against Swindon, then a disappointment, and we have to respond in the same way Notts County responded against us.”