Boss Hurst happy with positives in Boston United defeat by powerful Carlisle United ahead of Sutton trip

The Pilgrims returned to action after a blank weekend away at a powerful Carlisle side on a superb run of form and fell short.

But Hurst was pleased with much of what he saw and said: “Happy is a hard word as I get that fans will find that hard to digest.

“But I was relatively happy in terms of our performance, though never comfortable in losing a game of football.

“We do have to understand who we have lost to with the form they've been in.

“But large parts of that performance I was pleased with, and we were certainly well in the game which the last time we played at Carlisle we weren't.

“And the cup game before that we weren't in the end.

“They are a good team and, as they should be, one of the promotion favourites. But I think we made it a bit uncomfortable for them today.

“We conceded from probably their first real attack which is frustrating and disappointing after starting as the better team – and I don't think anyone would disagree with that.

“And we had more than enough of the game realistically – it's just certain moments.

“They took advantage of two very good bits of play from their left wing back, and it was a good finish for the second one.

“We missed a couple of chances where I think when you are playing against a team like this in games like this, you have to take them.

“So I am disappointed, but at the same time there are positives.

“It was certainly far from one of our worst performances and we have to try to take that into the Sutton game next weekend.”

Dylan Hill came on as a second half substitute, his first National League action since summer shoulder surgery, and Hurst said: “The more he trains, the more he plays and the better he will get.

“But we have to be careful we don't put too much expectation on Dylan.

“We know what he brings and what he can do. But he has been out for a little while.

“We have real competition too and there are no guarantees for Dylan, as there isn't for any player.

“The squad today was very healthy. We have got a good squad and we have to show that. Today, to a degree, we did.

“We have to keep believing and try to grow that belief.”

Carlisle are in the play-off mix while this Saturday's opponents, Sutton, are mid-table.

Hurst said: “With absolute respect to Sutton, it is a different type of game, as in not maybe traditionally as big a name.

“I know they have been in the League in recent times, but there won 't be as many fans there – those type of things.

“It will be a different stylistic sort of game as well. But we have to make sure we are up for that challenge. And you have to be up for different challenges.

“We can't only turn up when we know we have to be at it to come up with a respectable scoreline.

“It is our next opportunity on Saturday.

“I think we've got a really tough run of games now up to the New Year.

“So every single game is vitally important, and we want to try to get some more points on the board.”