Keith Millen believes Carlisle United’s habit of striking late in games is a positive sign.

The Blues have scored a number of late goals in recent weeks to build their best run of results of the campaign.

Examples include Tristan Abrahams’ winner against Walsall, Omari Patrick’s clincher against Bradford City and Lewis Alessandra’s last-gasp leveller against Crawley Town.

While the Cumbrians would prefer not to have to rely on leaving it late against Hartlepool United tonight, manager Millen says the ability to go to the end is a useful one.

“I think that’s a reflection on the work we’re doing and the attitude of the group, and the belief they’ve got,” he said.

“I don’t like going a goal down [as we did on Saturday] but I do think there’s a belief we can turn it round.

“You don’t see the players’ heads drop. The reaction to going a goal down is a positive one. That’s pleasing.

“I do feel in most games we tend to look like we’re getting stronger. There’s not many games where I’ve felt the opposition have got stronger than us.

“That gives confidence to the group that they can believe in the fitness.”