Steven Pressley says it is time for Carlisle United to seize control of their own destiny – and be less reliant on other teams in the play-off race.

The Blues host struggling Cambridge tomorrow in search of a win that could return them to the top seven.

United are hoping to build on an improved display in last weekend’s draw at Forest Green as they chase only a second victory in nine games.

Despite their modest run of form, the Cumbrians remain in touch with the play-off places and manager Pressley says they must make the most of their position.

“We have to show that, especially at this time of year,” he said. “We have to be the team that grasps the opportunity, and start showing consistency in our performances and results.

“We can’t keep relying on other people and that’s why it’s important tomorrow that we get all three points.

“There’s no hiding from the importance of these games. Cambridge is a vital game for us, and we can’t be going into the last games running out of opportunities.

“We have to grasp the opportunity – and [tomorrow] is a big opportunity for us.”

Pressley said United’s display last weekend, which he rated their best since he took charge, has increased confidence among his players ahead of their last eight fixtures.

Tomorrow the Cumbrians must end a recent barren Brunton Park run against Cambridge, having not beaten them at home in seven attempts, their last home win coming in 1996.

The game will see them up against former Blues favourite Jabo Ibehre, with ex-United winger David Amoo also set to be involved for Cambridge, although Reggie Lambe is set to miss out as he is on Bermuda international duty.

On the clash with Colin Calderwood’s fourth-bottom visitors, Pressley added: “In the last couple of games they played with a 4-4-2, but against Crewe they played a 4-3-1-2. The Carlisle supporters will be very much aware of a couple of their players, and they have good players in their ranks.

“As I’ve learned very quickly in this division, there are never any easy games and [tomorrow] will be no different. But I have a belief about us, and I do think if we continue to improve in the way we did last weekend we can win this game.”

Pressley, meanwhile, has told last Saturday’s goalscorer Nathan Thomas that he must build on his positive display.

The Sheffield United loan man broke his scoring duck, having missed good earlier chances.

Pressley said: “I’ve spoken to Nathan and told him it’s one performance.

“We kind of get excited after one game nowadays. We’ve seen guys playing for England who haven’t even had a start in the Premier League, when you used to have to play 300 games before you were considered.

“The truth is he [Thomas] has to do it over a period. He’s now set a standard for himself, but that standard has to be maintained week after week after week.

“The big thing for me at Forest Green was his out-of-possession work. He did the work that we continuously are talking about. When you do that, you bring so much more to the team other than the flashes of quality, and managers begin to trust you a lot more and will be more patient with you.

“That was the pleasing aspect for me. But he has to do it on Saturday, and the following week he has to keep doing it and doing it and doing it.

“There’s nothing gained by a performance like that and then allowing your standards to drop again. The most important thing is that week after week after week, we see that Nathan Thomas, not just one week.”