Gavin Skelton believes Carlisle United are gradually getting to grips with the intense physical demands of League One.

The Blues are hoping to go three games unbeaten when they head to Lincoln City today (LNER Stadium, 3pm).

Carlisle’s four points against Shrewsbury Town and Stevenage have enabled them to gain a foothold after a tough start.

And their assistant manager says they are steadily getting accustomed to the nature of third-tier football.

“I think we’ve competed in every game – anyone that’s seen us would say there’s not much in it – but the step up in terms of quality and physicality is a big leap,” said Skelton.

“In terms of physicality, that’s not just in size but the speed people run at, the power…there are more athletes in this league.

“That’s something we’ve had to adapt to and I think we are starting to adapt to it.

“We’ve not been far away in each game but you want to be in charge of every game. The positive thing is there’s more to come but we’re picking up results.”

Carlisle are targeting a first away win of the season this afternoon at a ground where the Blues have not won since 2002’s infamous eight-man victory under Roddy Collins.

Mark Kennedy’s Imps have won both their home games so far 3-0 and sit eighth in the early table.

News and Star: Carlisle are hoping to build on recent good results against Shrewsbury and Stevenage (pictured)Carlisle are hoping to build on recent good results against Shrewsbury and Stevenage (pictured) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Skelton insists Carlisle are not obsessing over the wait for an away victory and simple want to continue doing the right things.

“We wanted to start scoring goals, we’ve got that, we wanted to get our first home win, we’ve got that, and we’ve got that first point away – so the next part of the jigsaw is to try and get on a run,” he said.

“Not just win away from home but go three games unbeaten, and build that belief.

“The away win will come, hopefully on Saturday, but we’re not panicked about that – it’s about keeping that run going.”

Simpson is unlikely to make many changes from the side that started at Stevenage, where United’s ability to come from behind twice showed a crucial trait, according to Skelton.

“When you’ve got goals in your team, which we’ve had the last two weeks, it gives you that belief,” he added.

“You’re not panicking, thinking, ‘here we go’ when that first goal goes in, which is normal. We’ve got that belief we can come from behind.”

Manager Simpson has called on his side to show more “belief” and Skelton said results are key in that respect.

“People might say ‘he’s got no confidence’ – well, you’d love to give someone a bag of confidence, but you can’t.

“It just comes from working, being professional and backing yourself that results will come. And nothing gives confidence like results or good performances.”