Carlisle United assistant boss Gavin Skelton says the Blue Army should never underestimate their importance.

The Cumbrians are back at Brunton Park today when they take on AFC Wimbledon (kick-off 3pm).

And Paul Simpson’s No2 says the way supporters helped drag the team to a result last time out at home was telling.

He said it underlines the value of backing from the stands in both good times and when United need a lift.

“The crowd are massive – not just in getting behind us to drive us on to a win, which is important, but staying with us when it’s not going our way as well,” Skelton said.

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“In the Rochdale game, when we went 3-1 down after half time…over the last couple of years we’ve all been there when it can turn [in that situation] and it becomes a difficult place to play.

“But I thought the crowd really stuck with us. It gave the players more energy and confidence and it was one of the key reasons why we got back into the game.”

Manager Simpson is unlikely to tinker much with the side that gained a 0-0 draw at Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.

With none of United’s sidelined players due back in the short term, Simpson could go with the same line-up against Johnnie Jackson’s Dons.

Carlisle are hoping to maintain their unbeaten home start in League Two.

They have won two and drawn two – and take on visitors who have not scored in their last three league outings.

Skelton said the Blues must build on the solid foundation they have laid so far.

“Although we’ve had a reasonably decent start, we’re not all firing yet,” he said.

“Hopefully the performances are showing we’re ready to fire and that can start [today].

“There’s nothing that makes a team feel better than winning, because of the confidence it brings not just to the players but the whole club – you get that energy.

“On the positive side we’ve got that not-losing feeling which, with our performances, we can take confidence from and hopefully it leads to wins.

“Hopefully we’ve got a strong base to build on.

“[Being unbeaten at home] builds confidence among the supporters, it should build confidence among the players as well. We want to keep that going as long as it can continue.”