MELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT

BY ANDY DEAN

JON MELLISH admits Carlisle are playing with a freedom you would not expect from a side on the brink of relegation.

The midfielder (top) bagged a stunning hat-trick as Paul Simpson’s side pulled off a shock on Good Friday, winning 3-1 at promotion-chasing Peterborough.

Their drop into League Two could be confirmed today if they lose at home to Lincoln but Mellish insists spirits are good in the camp. He said: “There was nothing to lose at Peterborough, the pressure was all on them.

“The gaffer just told us to go and play with freedom and stick together as a group. The win has given us a massive confidence boost going into the Lincoln game.

“There’s no pressure on us again. Lincoln are another very good side but it would be good to put on another performance like that and go for back-toback wins.” Carlisle fans will be keeping an eye on Cambridge versus Wigan and Burton’s home game against Barnsley.

At the top, Bolton know only wins will do as they seek to chase down Portsmouth and Derby, who face each other tomorrow. The Trotters welcome Reading to the Toughsheet Stadium and boss Ian Evatt (left) said: “The draw with Stevenage on Friday was tough but we have to focus on Reading and trying to put some pressure on the ones above us and continue to push forwards and try and win six matches.”

Peterborough, in fourth, go to Leyton Orient while Oxford host Fleetwood and Stevenage are at Charlton.

The relegation picture will be clearer after Cheltenham face Exeter and Northampton entertain Port Vale. Elsewhere, Blackpool take on Wycombe and Shrewsbury are at Bristol Rovers.