Steven Pressley says the inconsistency of League Two means Carlisle United may not need to win all their remaining games to make the play-offs.

The manager, though, says they must still target maximum points from their last three fixtures in order to be sure, including tomorrow's trip to Grimsby.

United are a point outside the play-offs, Pressley having last week said they needed to win their final four games to stand a chance of the top seven.

After Friday’s win against leaders Lincoln, he said: “Every week it changes – it’s quite an amazing league.

“I never saw the Exeter result coming [the Grecians’ defeat to Crawley] but it’s what this league is about.

“I don’t think any team has really shown true consistency over the period.

“If you’d asked me after [our defeat to] Stevenage I’d have said we need a minimum 12 points. That might change. But our focus has to be 12 points – and our [immediate] focus has to be the next three.”

Pressley said United’s “intensity” against the Imps is something they must now repeat.

They tomorrow face a 17th-placed Mariners side without a win in 10 and who have little left to play for.

It will come a day after Pressley was confirmed as United's manager for next season with a new one-year deal.

On the clash with Grimsby he said: “I know their manager [Michael Jolley], they’ll be an organised side and a side determined for a result. We’ll prepare as we always do.

“We are better playing against top sides on recent history. But we have to take care of business.

“The great thing about football in England is they are amazing leagues. Come Monday we could be in the play-offs or 11th or 12th.

“We’ve just got to focus on delivering on what we continue to work towards.

“I hope we have a few more players available. If all these things come together we’ll go there with a confidence about us and hopefully get the right result.”

Pressley, meanwhile, has insisted the players are all playing for him despite some recent criticism.

“It’s the normal situation – you lose a game of football and [people say] you’ve lost the dressing room,” he said.

“If anyone attends the training they can make their own judgements. One thing I know for sure is these players have been at it.”

Pressley also explained why defender Peter Grant was omitted from the 18-man squad on Friday.

“With the substitutions, [league rules dictate] we need one of our academy players within the group, and that was Jarrad Branthwaite,” the manager said.

“Then we felt we need cover in the left-back and centre-back area. It [preferring Macaulay Gillesphey on the bench] gave us that balance.”

Ex-Newcastle defender Gillesphey came off the bench for his first outing since January, following knee surgery.

Pressley said: “That’s a plus. He’s still a bit away fitness wise but he gave us a good 30 minutes.”