Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala has told his in-form side they must be “on it” against Carlisle United on Easter Monday.

The Imps head coach said any team in League One is capable of tripping another up – no matter their position.

Skubala also highlighted United’s recent displays as another reason why Paul Simpson’s side cannot be taken for granted.

Lincoln are now sixth on goal difference after a free-scoring four-game winning run which has brought 17 goals, while they have won nine in an 14-game unbeaten run, having not lost since New Year's Day.

But, looking ahead to today's Brunton Park clash, Skubala said: “I think if you’re not on it you get hurt. Simple as that.

“If you don’t bring 100 per cent to this level you get hurt.

“We have to be on it at Carlisle. There’s no point doing a hard shift like [in Friday’s 1-0 win over Leyton Orient] and not being on it.

“Carlisle [who won 3-1 at Peterborough] were 2-0 up against Stevenage as well last weekend, and I watched that game.

“We’ll have to be on it again. It’s going to be tough.”

Lincoln, whose keeper is the ex-Carlisle loanee Lukas Jensen, have pushed their way into the play-off places with six games to go in what looks a closely-fought battle for sixth.

News and Star: Joe Taylor has scored six in Lincoln's last four gamesJoe Taylor has scored six in Lincoln's last four games (Image: PA)

The Imps have hit impressive form under former Leeds United coach Skubala, who was a colleague of Paul Simpson during their respective spells working with the England age groups in the Football Association.

Skubala has been in charge since November after replacing Mark Kennedy at the Sincil Bank helm.

And their current form has raised the possibility of reaching the second tier for the first time since 1961.

After hitting five, six and five in consecutive games, Lincoln needed a late goal to defeat Orient 1-0 on Good Friday.

Speaking to BBC Lincolnshire, the head coach added: “Everyone wants to see goals but that’s the most exciting way to win a game.

“I think [the players] have been phenomenal over the last 13 or 14 games. Friday wasn’t quite how we wanted to look but sometimes you’ve just got to grind it out.

“There’s still a long way to go.”