Keith Curle insisted there is still much more to come from his in-form Carlisle United side as they head for Christmas in the thick of the promotion race.

The 3-0 victory over Notts County at Preston’s Deepdale stadium was the Blues’ best ‘home’ win of the season.

It left them fifth in the League Two table and unbeaten in six games in all competitions.

Manager Curle said the players have to embrace the rising expectations about the prospect of a new-year promotion push.

But he also said: “There’s definitely more to come. We have to strive to improve.

“On another day it could have been 3-3. Notts had some clear-cut chances and we will look at that.

“But at the same time we could have scored more. As a football team and a club we’re more than happy.

“Last week we had a look at the comparisons where this club was after 22 games last season to where it is now.

“There is a feel-good factor around the club because things are being done slightly differently, and people are embracing it.”

United are just four points outside the automatic promotion places and face fellow contenders Accrington and Plymouth over the festive period.

Their impressive form is raising hopes of a return to League One just two seasons after relegation.

Curle said: “It’s a challenge – there’s nothing to be scared of.

“Not only as a team and club, but also as a community, we’re embracing every challenge that comes our way.

“Competing in a football match is the minimum we expect from the players. Likewise, they’re taking responsibility and being buoyed by the spirit around the club in this community.

“People have got devastation around them but their thoughts are with the football players and team. That shows fantastic character.”

Skipper Danny Grainger’s early penalty was followed by a Jabo Ibehre double at Preston as the Cumbrians made short work of Ricardo Moniz’s mid-table Magpies.

Top scorer Ibehre is on 14 goals for the campaign but Curle refused to set any major targets for the big frontman.

He added: “Jabo’s an integral part of the team – as is every player.

“Before the game I told them all to make sure they did their own jobs to their best of their ability. If you get 10 outfield players doing that, you’ll have every chance of staying in games.”