'We're in good shape' - Hughes as Carlisle go top

Mark Hughes' Carlisle have won 11 of their 17 National League games this season

Mark Hughes says his Carlisle United side are in "good shape" after going top of the National League.

Tuesday's 2-0 home win over Halifax Town took them into first place, one point above Boreham Wood, with over a third of the season gone.

However, Rochdale, who are two points adrift in third, have three games in hand over the Cumbrians.

But following on from their stunning comeback win over Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday, confidence is high for Hughes' side.

"Hopefully we've got that rhythm and we're in that flow of momentum which will allow us to pick up good points along the way," the Welshman told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We're in good shape going into the Christmas period."

Hughes was handed the league's Manager of the Month award for October and his side have now picked up 13 points from a possible 15 since the end of September.

But having negotiated six rounds of midweek fixtures already and some mammoth away travel, he is pleased his team have come through that to be in the mix at the top.

"It's been a really tough opening period with some really hard games and good opposition," Hughes said.

"The league is really strong this year. Look at the amount of points good teams are accruing and it's not going to be easy. On top of that, and the travel we've had, it's been tough."