Chris Beech says it would be “beautiful” if Carlisle United could claim a much-needed victory against Walsall today.

The Cumbrians are hoping to boost their position in League Two, sitting fourth bottom and four points above the relegation place.

Beech could involve yesterday’s signing Lewis Alessandra today with fellow new boys Nick Anderton, Joshua Kayode and Max Hunt also in the squad.

The gap between the bottom sides and Carlisle has decreased in recent weeks, leading to growing anxiety among fans about United’s status.

They have won one league game in 10 and will be seeking their first goal in five home league games - which would avoid equalling an unwanted club record - when they face an in-form Saddlers side who have risen to 12th after a poor start.

Victory against Darrell Clarke’s team, who Carlisle beat 2-1 on their travels last month, would be timely indeed in United’s bid to ease worries of the drop.

Beech said that, while league wins have been elusive recently, his side have shown the right fighting spirit.

He said: “We all do this to win the game. We work all week, we prepare, it would be lovely to win, it would be beautiful.

“If we don’t, we haven’t, but there’s 18 opportunities after Saturday.

“Often you don’t want that to go on for too long but you can see in the games, we’ve been competitive in every single one aside from [the defeats against] three teams [Colchester, Crewe and Plymouth] that stand out in our league.

“That’s not to say it’s accepted; I understand that’s where Carlisle would want to be. But we’ve got to admire those traits.

“I remember, sharing my past experiences, we [Rochdale] got promoted out of League Two on [82] points, finished third, and didn’t beat anybody in the top six. That’s an unbelievable fact.

“So I’m not too concerned at three standout teams having beaten us up. I’d be concerned if that was happening six or seven teams on the bounce against teams around us – it hasn’t.

“We are fighting, but of course we want the three points.”

Walsall have lost just two of their last 11 league games and could involve new loan midfielder Nathan Sheron.

Another key man for the Saddlers is likely to be six-goal winger Wes McDonald, who recently signed a new deal with the club and has said they are hoping to make a play-off push.

Beech said on United’s opponents: “They had a funny start to the season, they were losing consistently and then winning consistently, and now they’ve got a consistent behaviour over maybe 20 games or so.

“Before that they were really indifferent, but one thing they do demand is a hard-working aspect to their team. That’s what they will have. With two or three special players in that system that can win that football match.”

United claimed a 2-1 victory at the Banks’s Stadium on December 29, Harry McKirdy heading a late winner after Nathan Thomas’ opener had been cancelled out by Elijah Adebayo.

Asked if it helped having played Clarke’s side so recently, Beech said: “I’d say not, because the two Cardiff [FA Cup] games were completely different and I think that will be the case against Walsall.

“The consistent traits that we’ve talked about are so hard to replicate at this level. What actually changes from Saturday to Saturday isn’t massive. Some players are playing a lot of football and can be a bit fatigued, which I think we saw at Oldham.

“At the same point, not a lot changes, but a lot changes. It’s the same for everybody at this level of football, and we want to find those consistent traits that represent good practice which result in three points.”

He said: “In that game we kept probing, and midway into the second half Walsall were on top. You don’t have a divine right to be on top for 96 minutes, but the lads are learning how to stay in games and how to fight.

“Disciplines come in different forms, it isn’t just about being on time for training and things like that, it’s about getting back in position and running down your opponent.

“The lads are representing them, but we’ve got to bring them all together now. We’ve got a real good opportunity going into the last 19 games to make sure we come out the other side in a better place.”

Beech admitted that former Birmingham and Yeovil man McDonald was a key threat.

He said: “He’s just scored another great goal to win a tight League Two game [against Crawley last weekend] – he does some sort of Maradona turn, jink and it’s followed by some sort of Ronaldo type shot which helps Walsall to get another three points.

“That’s backed up with discipline and consistent traits from all of the other players they have, but without the stand-out operator those three points are harder to get.

“I’m mindful of Wes, but they’ve got other very good players too. He’s doing really well, he’s just signed his new contract, which means he’s a happy chappy, so he’s one we’ll watch.

“I know Marcus [Stewart, assistant manager] and Darrell, they’re great guys, I played with Marcus at Huddersfield and Darrell is a good, experienced manager, and I’m just really looking forward to competing against them here at home.”

Beech admits it is up to his side to give supporters something to shout about, but also hopes fans will rally behind his players in the Brunton Park fixture.

He said: “I was fortunate enough a few weeks back to drive to Wolves when I dropped off into their academy to meet Elliot [Watt]. They were playing Tottenham in the afternoon so I went through to watch that.

“I know it’s Premier League football but what an experience that was pre-game. The noise from the fans, and the fireworks – it’s a show.

“Obviously we’re not anywhere near that so we’ve got to create our own atmosphere. But is the dog wagging the tail or is it the tail wagging the dog? Who goes first?

“It would be nice for us to set a tempo, of course it would, but sometimes we need a little bit of help as well.”