CARLISLE United defender Peter Murphy believes the Cumbrians’ poor run of form is in danger of being blown out of all proportion.

The Blues have lost five of their last six games in all competitions, with a lone league win at Tranmere Rovers punctuating a sequence that includes three league defeats and exits in both the Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Carlisle felt they had turned the corner after winning at Prenton Park, but came crashing back down to earth last weekend when they were humbled 4-1 at Chesterfield.

Yet, while they have slipped to 13th in the table, they remain just three points away from the top six and a win against Stevenage at Brunton Park this afternoon will see them leapfrog their opponents – who are ahead of them only on goal difference – and climb back into the top half.

Murphy said: “A lot is being made in the media about the recent defeats but two of those came in the cup and one when we were down to nine men so sometimes you need a little perspective as we’ve done OK so far.”

A consistent complaint from Carlisle boss Greg Abbott in recent weeks has been the manner of the goals his side has been conceding and, in the wake of the defeat at Chesterfield, Murphy agrees.

“We were all very disappointed after the defeat at Chesterfield last weekend, looking back at it with hindsight we actually created a lot of chances and could easily have got something from the game,” he said.

“The game was very end to end at times and if we had been a bit more ruthless and taking some of those opportunities we had, it would have been a very different game. They showed a more clinical edge to take their chances and to make matters worse we conceded at a poor time just after the half-time break.

“But all four goals were poor ones to let in and there were a few individual errors in there that we all need to cut out if we’re going to get a decent run of form together.”

Today’s game is only the fourth meeting between the sides, with all three prior clashes coming in 2005 when Carlisle were briefly in the Conference.

Stevenage came out on top in both league games, but it was third time lucky for Carlisle as they triumphed in the Conference play-off final to win back their place in the Football League – with Murphy on the scoresheet in the final at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium.

Murphy said: “I’ve got some very good memories of the last time we played against Stevenage in the Conference play-off final although I have to say the game itself is a bit of a blur and all I can recall from that was my goal and Chris Lumsdon blasting that free-kick into the crowd at the end.

“It’s probably fair to say that game was one of the most important in the club’s recent history. The Conference is such a tough league to get out of and other teams that have gone down are still struggling to get back up, so to make an instant return to the Football League was vital.

“All three games against Stevenage that season were tough and often feisty affairs but that’s what you expect in the Conference. They’ve done really well to win two promotions in a row since Graham Westley came back as manager.

“They’ll be a lot fitter and stronger than they were six years ago and their recent win over Sheffield Wednesday shows they shouldn’t be underestimated.

“It’ll be a tough and physical game but if we can find some consistency and start taking those chances we’re creating, we’re more than capable of getting all three points.”

Carlisle could be without five-goal top scorer Lee Miller this afternoon, with the striker still suffering for a groin injury.

Miller has not been written-off entirely, however, and Abbott will give him as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

Craig Curran could replace Miller, while Tom Taiwo may be in line for a recall in midfield. Paddy Madden (foot) and Frank Simek (hip) remain unavailable.