Stefan Scougall admits Carlisle United’s heroics against Lincoln will be pointless if they flounder at Grimsby today.

The Blues could force their way back into the play-off places if they win at Blundell Park and seventh-placed Exeter stumble against Stevenage.

It promises to be another massive afternoon with United hoping to build on Friday’s superb 1-0 win against leaders Lincoln.

Schemer Scougall says Steven Pressley’s side must now prove they can beat sides at the wrong end of League Two having picked up wins recently against the division’s top sides.

“That’s been our downfall over the last few games – it’s not been good enough,” the Scot said.

“When we do come up against these better teams, it must be something that just clicks between the boys.

“We need to make sure we do it every game – especially over the next three, when we’ve still got a big chance of reaching the play-offs and reaching our goals.

“If we don’t back [Friday] up, in a way it’s pointless. All the boys know that and this is a massive game for us.”

Scougall’s creative role could be increased today with Jamie Devitt (hamstring) a doubt to face the Mariners.

Pressley was last night hoping Kelvin Etuhu (ankle) would be fit to play a second game in four days having also just returned from injury.

United this afternoon face a 17th-placed Grimsby side without a win in 10 games.

As well as events at Stevenage, Blues fans will also be keeping in touch with matches involving the rest of the chasing pack, with Colchester, Newport and Swindon all hoping to overtake the Cumbrians in the race.

Colchester go to Yeovil, Newport are at Macclesfield while Swindon host Crewe.

Former Sheffield United and St Johnstone man Scougall, 26, added: “After going toe-to-toe and beating one of the best sides in the league, you’ve got to believe.

“Lucky enough for us the result went our way with Exeter dropping points [on Friday].

“It gives us a chance of the play-offs which we thought had slipped away over the last few games where we’ve not really been at it.

“We still believe and hopefully we can take it into the Grimsby game.”

Scougall played his part in Friday’s dramatic win against the Imps and the Scot said it was vital they produced a big performance after the previous weekend’s slump at Stevenage.

He was also pleased United denied Lincoln the chance to lift the League Two title trophy at Brunton Park.

“There’s no easy game in this division and we played a very, very good Lincoln side,” he said. “They’re promoted already for a reason. For us it was a massive result, a big challenge we overcame.

“All the boys knew we had to show the gaffer, the fans, and everyone associated with the club a reaction from last week, which was nowhere near good enough. The gaffer drilled that into us after that game, and during the week in training. I felt we repaid that.

“We also didn’t want them winning the league on our home turf. But it was all about the three points and we got that.”

Scougall also highlighted the role played by United’s fans in Friday’s high-intensity win.

He said: “It was a great atmosphere and as players you want to play in that.

“It gets an extra five per cent out of you. There was one point where we lost the ball and I was dead on my feet, but the fans generated that extra few per cent to do this run, make this run – that’s what it brings.”