Big task at Carlisle for Boston United as they return after break
Boston United manager Paul Hurst knows the size of the task at Carlisle United on Saturday as his side chase a fourth successive win after a weekend off.
After a poor run of results, the Pilgrims hit form with three wins in eight days.
But, while Carlisle were progressing in the FA Cup on Saturday by beating League Two Salford City 1-0, Boston's players had a rare blank weekend.
The Cumbrians have won seven and drawn one of eight unbeaten games and Hurst said: “Unfortunately we were out of the cup, but it did give us a chance for a rare opportunity for a breather at this time of season.
“We put in a lot of hard work and then I gave the players the weekend off, which is unusual for players.
“I told them to use their time to enjoy themselves and spend some time with friends and family as, in reality, it could be the last break before the season finishes.
“We had enjoyed good week prior to that which maybe enabled us to take that time.”
He added: “Carlisle had an excellent win on Saturday. Early season they didn't get off to the start they would have liked and there was a bit of discontent up there.
“But Rob (Carlisle manager Elliot) has done well in this league before with Gateshead and sometimes things take a bit of time.
“Unfortunately for us it looks like we will now be facing a Carlisle team that is full of confidence. He had a couple of strikers back on the bench for him at the weekend as well.
“I think they will still be missing the two midfield players sent off against Harrogate (Miguel Azeez and Harvey Bunker).
“But it is hard to have too much sympathy with the depth and quality of squad they have up there. It will be a really tough game.”
With a fully fit squad, Nick Pozo is the only Boston player missing with international duty for Gibralter.
“Overall we're in a pretty good place,” said Hurst. “It's hard at the minute as you expect injuries and we currently don't have any.
“That makes my life difficult trying to keep everyone happy, but you'd rather have that headache than be scratching around trying to fill a bench. There seems a good feel around the place at the minute and, certainly, competition for places.”
Popular midfielder Dylan Hill is expected back in the squad after coming through 45 minutes of National League Cup football last week following summer shoulder surgery.
“He came through that fine and it was great to see him back out there,” said Hurst.
“He has been out a relatively long time – and I am sure, with his enthusiasm and love for the game it felt even longer to him.
“He is continuing to train and get used to the competitive side and physical contact and more touches of the ball which will hopefully benefit us as a football club.”
Boston midfielder Arjan Raikhy has extended his loan stay at Marine until 6th January.