YORK City joint-top marksman James Berrett believes the club's free-scoring midfielders must carry on hitting the back of the net.

Six of the Minstermen's ten goals this term have come from that area of the pitch, with Berrett leading the way on three, Luke Summerfield also hitting the target twice and Eddie Nolan opening his account for the club during last weekend's 2-2 draw at Stevenage.

Berrett's personal-best tally for a single campaign is ten, which he managed twice at Carlisle – and ahead of this afternoon's home contest against his old club, he has signalled his intention to reach double figures as quickly as possible and end the campaign with an even bigger haul.

The 26-year-old said: "People tend to look at strikers all the time for goals but it's good if you can spread them around because it relieves the pressure on everyone.

"I'd like to get to ten as soon as I can and then pass that because you've got to set yourself challenges.

"I'm happy with the way the season has gone so far. I've scored a few and we've had a couple of good results here and there, so we've just got to build on that and keep it going."

Despite being one of seven City ever-presents this term, Halifax-born Berrett is not taking his starting place for granted due to the current battle for a midfield berth in the side.

He reasoned: "It might be a cliche, but competition is good. It means you can't lose form because somebody will come in.

"Russ (Penn) was on the bench at Stevenage and Godders (Ben Godfey) has got potential. Tom Platt's also a good player whose gone out on loan and there's Summers too – as well as Eddie, who has played there for the last two games.

"So there's six of us in that position, which means you have to stay on top of your game."

Having scored against another old employer in Yeovil last month, Berrett is now relishing a reunion with today's opponents, who he spent four years with before moving on in 2014.

"It gives the game a little bit of an edge for me personally, being an old club of mine who I haven't played against since I left them, so I'm looking forward to it," admitted the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international.

"They have started well and have won three on the bounce, as well as winning a cup tie at QPR, so from their point of view, the season is going well. But it's up to us to do what we can do and take the game to them."

Carlisle are expected to include three of Berrett's former team-mates tomorrow in Mark Gillespie, Troy Archibald-Henville and Patrick Brough – and drawing on his familiarity with the visitors, he is preparing for an entertaining contest.

"Mark's a good keeper who missed quite a lot of last season because he was injured, Broughy's a young lad with a lot of potential and Troy is a strong defender," said Berrett of his Cumbrian pals.

"As a team, they've also got goals up front, with Jabo Ibehre having scored a lot and Derek Asamoah a danger too.

"We've got to neutralise that threat – but they've also conceded a few and looked vulnerable at the back, so it should be an open game."