Carlisle United No2 on team news and Stevenage fightback

The assistant manager said it was vital the Blues followed up their first win of the season in a positive manner.

And Joe Garner’s 90th-minute equaliser against Steve Evans’ table-toppers helped Paul Simpson’s side build on that previous victory over Shrewsbury Town.

It now leaves the Cumbrians hoping to extent a mini unbeaten run to three games when they head to Lincoln City this weekend.

Such steps forward are crucial to a side finding its feet in League One, Skelton said.

“In terms of performance it was ok, but the result was great, and hopefully scoring in the last minute…after winning that first home game, it’s important to back it up with something,” Skelton said.

Gavin Skelton says United's late goal at Stevenage was a psychological boost (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“We’ve had two positive results now and, when you score in the last minute, that draw feels a bit more positive too.”

United’s players were given Monday off after the rigours of the Stevenage clash and a recent busy spell.

Skelton hopes it helps refresh the squad as they prepare to hit the road again.

“Stevenage is a difficult place to go to – they’re relentless and really good at what they do – and as well as the physical side, there is also the mental side – the travelling, the training, things like that.

“That extra day off I’m sure will set us in good stead.

“When it’s a week when you play Saturday then have a midweek game you never really get to assess and evaluate things as much as you’d like, either.

“Hopefully that will benefit us.”

On the fitness front, Skelton said United were nursing a couple of “knocks” from last Saturday but added: “Hopefully they’ll be ok for the weekend.”

Defender Ben Barclay remains their main absentee with a calf injury.

“Ben’s got a few weeks to go, which is frustrating for him after last year,” added the coach.