Keith Curle insists his Carlisle United team can still mount a dramatic resurgence towards promotion as their season hinges on 90 crucial minutes today.

The Blues host Newport (Brunton Park, 3pm) desperate for a win that will take their play-off hopes to the final weekend.

Should results go against United, it could spell the end of their promotion chances after a damaging run of one win in 12 games.

But Curle said his team remain capable of the sort of form needed to end a topsy-turvy season on a high.

He said: "It's a big game, we're playing at home on a fantastic surface, and we've got nigh-on a full-strength team, barring one or two absentees.

"Although we've not had the results the performances have warranted recently, we're getting back to how we want to be playing.

"Last weekend after 92 minutes we were sixth, and after 94 minutes we were 10th. That shows where we are in the chasing pack with such fine margins.

"We know we've made too many errors, and a period without scoring affected us, but now we're back scoring goals freely and we're a challenge for anybody in this division.

"Can we win the games we need? I certainly back us."

While it is a huge game for Curle's 10th-placed side - a point outside the top seven - Newport are also facing a defining afternoon.

Should they win a fifth game in six, they could clinch a remarkable League Two survival providing Hartlepool fail to beat Cheltenham.

The Exiles have been United's bogey side since returning to the Football League, chalking up five consecutive wins against the Blues.

Curle admits Mike Flynn's side will be difficult opponents, while he insisted he would not be distracted by scores in key games elsewhere during today's encounter.

"We've got to take care of our business," said Curle, who must decide whether Jason Kennedy and Nicky Adams are fit enough to return.

"My focus will be 100 per cent on what we are doing. As soon as the game is finished I'm sure other people will tell us [the other scores].

"Newport, in their last eight games, have got 16 points, which is promotion form. They are playing with belief but also that fear of relegation which means they are very committed.

"I know some of their players and they are fighting for their lives. They have a system that suits them, good flexibility and energy, directness, they defend the 18-yard box well and get men behind the ball very quickly. We need to use the ball quickly and be ruthless in front of goal."

Curle yesterday confirmed that captain Danny Grainger, midfielder Luke Joyce and winger Reggie Lambe have all been given contract extensions for next season.