'Everyone goes up a level' against us, says Hughes

Mark Hughes' Carlisle last lost against Rochdale on 27 September

Mark Hughes says that one of the biggest challenges Carlisle United face this season is opponents raising their game against them.

Carlisle are second in the National League after Harvey Macadam's double secured a gritty win at Boston United on Saturday.

The Pilgrims had won only one of their previous six, but the Blues' head coach believes his side are a big scalp for every other team in the division.

"It was always going to be difficult given the levels Boston hit," Hughes told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"That's not the norm I would suggest for them in recent weeks, but that's what happens when Carlisle United come to town.

"Everybody just goes up a level, that makes it very difficult for us."

Victory means Hughes' side are now unbeaten in 10 league and cup games, the club's best run since 2016.

They are level on points with Rochdale at the top, although Dale have two games in hand, while just two points separate the top five.

Success at Boston was a seventh on the road from 10 games this season and a good pointer for the winter slog ahead.

"We'll have more games like this where it's difficult conditions, blowing a gale, rain coming down," said Hughes.

"Things can happen for and against you, so you've got to be vigilant. We're delighted with the result and we'll look forward to the next one."