Boss Steve Lovell is hoping for more of the same when his Gillingham side head to Carlisle.

The Gills manager didn’t get the result he wanted against Plymouth on Saturday, losing 2-1, but he did get the performance.

It was of a level which he feels should be enough to see off League 2 Carlisle in their FA Cup second round replay on Tuesday night.

He said: “If we perform like we did on Saturday then we have a chance.

“I was pleased with the performance of the boys and from what I saw, as a manager, you are confident and positive going into the next set of games.

“If we can produce that level on a weekly basis we will be fine. It is hard to lose a game like that (in the last minute) but we have to stick together, knuckle down, keep working and keep doing what we are doing.

“I believe what we are doing is right and the players believe it. They gave everything and we just need a little luck in front of goal, then we will be fine.”

The Gills are heading on the road again for their cup replay – a home tie against Sheffield Wednesday the reward to the winners – but the distance isn’t a problem for Lovell.

He said: “It is another long trip but it doesn’t matter, we had a long trip to Plymouth and the boys performed great.

“Long trips don’t make any difference. They travel in a coach and they stay in a hotel so it is no hardship. We will prepare again for Tuesday and go again.

“We shouldn’t be down where we are (near the foot of League 1) but we have to dig in deep.

“I have always said it is performance-related and if you perform, you will get your just deserts and hopefully that will come.”