Skipper Danny Grainger says tonight's clash with Hartlepool will have a massive bearing on Carlisle United's season.

The Cumbrians need to take advantage of their game in hand if they are to make up ground on the play-off places.

And Grainger reckons a successful night against Pools can generate momentum for another big Brunton Park encounter with Mansfield four days later.

The captain said: "This sort of game will go a long way to determining how good a season we will have.

"Hopefully we can get the crowd behind us, then roll onto another quick home game.

"All of sudden, this time next week, we could be sitting in the play-offs.

"There is plenty of confidence in the dressing-room and the club that we can still achieve something great."

Grainger expects a good atmosphere tonight in a game that is as close to a derby as United have in League Two.

The 29-year-old from Eamont Bridge admits Saturday's defeat at Portsmouth was frustrating but says Carlisle cannot afford to be downhearted with so many critical games now ahead.

The defender added: "It was a decent enough performance down there, it was just the goal that was disappointing from a back four and goalie's point of view.

"We kept the ball well at times and frustrated Portsmouth, and it's a tough place to go - a lot of teams get nothing there and there are still a lot of play-off chasing teams to go there yet.

"We were frustrated but the next two games are massive. To be one point off [seventh] going into the home game against Mansfield would give us a real opportunity.

"No-one seems to want to get that last play-off place for some reason and there is still a chance to put ourselves in touching distance."