Paul Simpson said he was determined to stay positive after Carlisle United came so close to victory at Mansfield Town.

The Blues boss said it was a very well-earned point – whilst admitting it could easily have been three.

Kristian Dennis missed Carlisle’s best chance in the 0-0 draw at the One Call Stadium.

But Simpson said there needed to be a balanced view of the Blues’ efforts after a highly impressive defensive showing against Nigel Clough’s men.

“Beforehand we asked the players about how we’ve been starting games and going a goal behind, and I thought this time we were really front foot and positive,” United’s boss said.

READ MORE: Mansfield Town v Carlisle United - as it happened

“We knew Mansfield could cause problems with the shape they play, but it’s testament to how we went about the first half that they changed it, still didn’t get any joy and had to change it back again.

“That’s a sign our players have done their job well. It is about players, how they’ve gone about it, worked, competed.

“Sadly we probably should have got three points out of it but I’ve got to make sure I stay positive because it’s a good point to come here and take it

“It’s an even bigger point if we do our home job properly on Saturday.”

United’s first 0-0 draw since Simpson returned to the club was preceded by a range of tributes to Queen Elizabeth II.

In the first half, Carlisle then survived a disallowed goal when George Lapslie was denied a Mansfield goal by a close offside call.

Dennis, Morgan Feeney and Jordan Gibson had good chances for the Blues – while at the other end they earned a clean sheet with some dogged defending.

Simpson admitted there were mixed feelings after the game but added: “Maybe they’re the standards we’re trying to set. We’re trying to improve all the time.

“Probably last year we’d have had no right to come to Mansfield and expect to get anything," he added.

“We talked about putting a bit of a marker down and showing what we’re all about – that’s the players as well as the staff, the players wanted to do that – and I think the way they’ve gone about it, they’ve certainly shown they can compete against what I think are one of the top six sides in the league.

“I think Mansfield will be up there at the end of the season. But we have to be consistent, we’ve got to carry it on.”

READ MORE: Big match verdict on Mansfield Town 0-0 Carlisle United

Simpson said United worked from a “really solid shape” tactically as they limited Mansfield’s chances.

And he refused to criticise top scorer Dennis for missing United’s best opportunity in the 46th minute.

“We can’t really say anything about Denno – he’s scoring for fun so far this season,” Simpson said.

“That sadly went over the bar but we’ve got into good areas, that’s the pleasing thing.

“We’ve worked from a really solid shape, but a solid shape that gave us a real threat going forward.

“There were a lot of good things. Defensively we were absolutely magnificent.

“We could and should have had three points, but I’m not going to complain about picking up points, especially at a place like this.

“We just need to be ruthless, clinical, a bit more finesse…whatever you want to call it. We’ve just got to keep believing and getting ourselves there.”