Carlisle United v Doncaster Rovers: We need to remain consistent, urges Darren Ferguson

But manager Darren Ferguson has issued a note of caution ahead of a tricky looking trip to a fired-up Carlisle United this evening, followed by a home game with Luton on Saturday.

First, Ferguson’s side must tackle the third-placed Cumbrian club, who suffered a shock 4-1 weekend home reverse to Blackpool, with a home game with the league leaders a timely as it affords them the perfect chance of securing some instant redemption.

Ferguson, whose side have drawn their last two matches, but are still unbeaten in 2017, and have not lost in 10 games since December 10, said: “It is a healthy gap with 16 games to go, but it can get reduced very quickly.

“We have got to make sure we maintain our consistency and keep picking up points.

“We now have the team in third and then the team who are currently fourth on Saturday.

“They are big games and ones where you think that if we win on Tuesday night, we are 14 points ahead of Carlisle with 15 games to go.

“That is our motivation as it can put us in an even healthier position.”

James Coppinger is back in the fray for Rovers, while Mathieu Baudry has a “slight chance” of featuring, Ferguson said.

Last six games: Carlisle LDDDWL Doncaster WWWWDD.

Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).

Last time: Carlisle 1 Doncaster 3, November 20, 2012; League One.