English League Two outfit, Carlisle United head coach Keith Curle says playing away games could benefit his side as they hope to maintain their slim chances of a League Two play-off place.

Carlisle United are just seven points off the last play-off spot with two of their final three matches away from home. They play Crawley Town this weekend in an away match then host Oxford United before going away again against Notts County in the last round of games.

The Cumbrians were forced to play home matches at Preston, Blackburn and Blackpool after their Brunton Park home was flooded in the aftermath of Storm Desmond. However. their fortunes have fared better on the pitch this term.

Coach Keith Curle told BBC Radio Cumbria:

“Sometimes you think it might be a slight advantage playing away from home.

“Supporters get nervous which affects the players. Anxiousness can creep on and players go into their shell.

“We will do what we have done all season and take each game as it comes,” he continued.

“The opposition will be given the respect they deserve but ultimately we can be competitive in every single game.

“The important thing is we keep our own house in order and what the others do is down to them. We’ve got a full squad and I’ve got to pick the right team and the players have got to perform.

“As a football club we’ve come a very long way in a short space of time. It’s a massive turnaround, not just from the players and coaching staff, but everybody associated with the football club.

“There’s been a lot of distractions this season but we’re on an upward spiral,” he said on an endnote.

The team have not won any of their last five away matches.