Boss Jim Nichols accepts it will be “incredibly difficult” for Carlisle City to earn a result today when they meet Redcar Athletic in a top-of-the-table clash - but says the Sky Blues should not fear anyone.

Second in Northern League, Division Two, will play host to fourth, as City travel to Green Lane this afternoon (kick-off at 3pm).

The Sky Blues are in good form, having won their last five fixtures in all competitions and come into the game after a 1-0 home win over Easington Colliery last Saturday.

Redcar, meanwhile, have picked up 39 points from 17 league matches and are a point behind leaders West Allotment Celtic, although the Teesside team have played two games more than the front-runners.

“It’s a massive test but we go there full of confidence,” said Nichols.

“We have won five out of the last six in the league, the only disappointment that we had [in that spell] was at Heaton when we got beaten 5-1.

“But that was a game we dominated for large spells and it looks like we took a real pasting, but it’s only because we threw the kitchen sink at them when we were 2-1 down to try to get something from it.

“We know they are a decent side, and a step up from the sides we have played in the last couple of weeks. But there is no reason, if we turn up and play the way we have performed, that we can’t go and get a win there, and really put ourselves into a good position.”

Nichols, who signed former Penrith AFC defender Tyler Bowman on Thursday, added: “I’m under no illusion that it’s going to be incredibly difficult to go there and get anything.

"But, with the way we are playing at the moment, I don’t fear anyone.

“I feel we will create chances and we will score goals.”

But Bowman will not be available today, while Mark Graham is getting married and will miss out, as well.