Carlisle United boss wants to maintain positive feelings against Crawley Town

The Blues are aiming for a fourth straight League Two victory against Crawley Town today (Brunton Park, 3pm).

United’s uplift in results has seen them put crucial distance between themselves and the danger zone.

Millen says he has noticed a more upbeat vibe around the club and city – and wants to harness that.

“There’s definitely a different feeling around the place,” he said.

“When you bump into fans around the city there are a lot of positive comments, and you can feel it around the club [where] the players are very confident.

“It’s a good feeling to have, but I’m very conscious that, because it can change very quickly, we’ve got to keep driving forward.

Keith Millen says fans are showing patience with his team's style of play

“There’s no way we’re going to sit back and think we’ve cracked it because we’re nowhere near that.

“It’s nice to have all the compliments but for me it’s about keeping the lads focused on the next game. If you don’t perform on Saturday, all of a sudden the things you’ve done previously are gone.

“We can’t guarantee we’re going to win [today], but if we perform like we did against Bradford we’ll be a match for anyone.

“They’re the standards I’m looking for, then we need that bit of quality we had which will be enough to win the game.”

Something has to give in today’s game given it pits together two sides on three-game winning runs.

The Blues are also eyeing a fourth straight clean sheet in the league – for the first time in nearly 14 years.

Millen says supporters are showing an understanding of the way his team is trying to play, which sometimes requires patience.

United are hoping to extend their good league form today

“The atmosphere last week was the best one without a doubt since I’ve been at the club. Bradford had a big following but our fans really got behind the team,” he added.

“They were very positive in the way they were with the team and I think they can recognise what we’re trying to do and how we’re playing.

“I like the fact they appreciate sometimes we’re a patient team in possession.

“I think it’s really important that, if you’re going to try and develop a passing team that keeps possession, the fans understand that.

“I’ve been at clubs where you try to play a passing game and the home fans after five minutes start moaning, ‘Get the ball forward’ and all these sort of comments.

“I think the understanding of the fans of what we’re trying to do is important.

“It’s down to us to keep producing good performances. Hopefully the fans will come and enjoy it and get behind the team like they did on Saturday.

“There’s a lot of positivity around the place at the moment and it’s my job to try and keep it going that way.”