CARLISLE manager Chris Beech has played up the importance of consistency after his side made it three wins in a row.

Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Scunthorpe marked the first time the Cumbrians have won three on the bounce since December.

The Blues have suffered something of a slump in form since then, coupled with 10 games called off due to Covid and the weather.

But the three points earned against the Irons have put Beech’s side within touching distance of the play-off places.

Speaking after the match, Beech said: “Without going on too much, what was hard with what we got hit with, because we did, with 10 games called off and Covid etcetera.

“It’s very difficult to have people in those consistent ways when they’ve not been allowed to be consistent in behaviours.

“It takes time to get back to that point which then makes my job really hard. I have to try and pick a team to effect winning game,s to get more consistent.

“When the lads are more like themselves, it’s far easier to manage our group of players because they’re so honest and so committed to what they’re trying to achieve.”

United won the game after a period of sustained pressure at the start of the second half.

A number of chances went begging, including a gilt-edged opportunity for in-form striker Offrande Zanzala, who somehow shot wide from close range after being picked out in space at the back post.

But it was top scorer Jon Mellish who twice found the back of the net with a quick-fire brace.

Beech continued: “We could have ended up getting six of seven, but we got two.

“I’m happy we kept a clean sheet, especially the last five minutes when Scunthorpe kept the ball a little bit better and got down the right hand side a bit and got to the byline, but we managed to clear it and clean it up.

“I’m very happy with that, very happy for Paul (Farman) as well with three consecutive clean sheets.

“Three consecutive two-nil wins so long may it that continue - I’m happy with that.

“In this one, we had a very dominant spell at the start of the second half. I don’t know how Ozzy [Zanzala] didn’t score, Aaron [Hayden] did everything right with his header in terms of heading it down, but he did it so well it bounced over the goal.

“Rod McDonald had a couple of great headers, I don’t know how the goalkeeper saved the second one, it was a magnificent save. Joe Riley had a couple of shots blocked, but Jon got his goals and I’m pleased for the lads because they kept going.

You could feel the goal coming, but sometimes it doesn’t, that’s football.”