Callum Guy admits Carlisle United were not at their best against Cheltenham – but said the Blues have full belief they can bounce back quickly.

The 2-1 loss at Brunton Park ended the Cumbrians’ 100 per cent home record.

Although Jon Mellish kept up his incredible scoring run, Carlisle couldn’t turn things around after Will Boyle and Conor Thomas had scored for Cheltenham.

Midfielder Guy said United’s display was not short of endeavour, but their final ball could have improved.

He said: “It was a tough game. I thought they wanted to slow our fast-paced game down – we always come out of the blocks firing, but we didn’t quite manage that this time.

“I felt we created enough chances to get at least a point out of it but it wasn’t to be.

“It was frustrating. We had a lot of corners again, crosses into the box, but we didn’t quite manage to get the first contact.

“We picked up second balls but our final pass wasn’t quite there which it has been for a lot of the season.

“The lads put in 100 per cent, as we always do, but I don’t think on the ball we were quite as on it as we have been.

“We know we’re a good team and we know we can bounce back straight away. We’re here on Tuesday in the cup [against Aston Villa Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy] and then it’s Crawley away, where we’ll be looking to put in another good performance.”

Guy has paid tribute to the stunning goalscoring form of midfield team-mate Mellish, who has fired 11 goals in 11 games.

The former Blackpool player said Mellish deserves all the praise he is receiving.

“He’s absolutely everywhere at the moment and it’s a pleasure to play with him,” he said.

“I’m pleased for Jon – he works so hard and the goals just keep coming and coming for him, which he deserves.

“I feel between Jon, myself and Joe [Riley], we have a really good connection in midfield at the minute – we all know each other really well now.

“In terms of goals, it’s important for everyone to chip in. Mellish has scored our last five, which has got us results, but at times like this game it would be nice for others among us to chip in.

“It wasn’t to be against Cheltenham and we’ll look at what we can improve on.”

Guy, meanwhile, is enjoying playing a key role for the Cumbrians after the early stages of his Blues career were hampered by injury.

A knee injury suffered against Cheltenham in February saw Guy requiring an operation but he returned for the start of this campaign and has put in some influential displays for sixth-placed United.

“It’s nice to get a run of games after the injury I had,” the 23-year-old said.

“It was important to make sure I was fit for the start of the season. It was a slow start but I’ve been put into a deeper role and I’m really enjoying it.

“With Joe and Mellish in front of me helping out loads I think it works really well.

“It’s nice to get all these 90 minutes in the bank – you just feel better and better each game. I’m enjoying the games coming thick and fast and that’s what you want as a footballer.

“Hopefully we can keep pushing on. Everyone is buying into what the gaffer is doing, you can see that out on the pitch each and every week.

“Even if we aren’t playing the best football you’ll see us all giving it everything. That’s important because the team spirit we have is superb. It’s a close-knit group and our performances this season have shown that.”