United’s 2-1 win in the fourth round qualifying sent them through to Monday evening’s draw.

While several minnows remain in the competition, head coach Elliot would prefer Carlisle to take on a top League One side.

Clubs like Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday will be in the hat and Elliot said: “I think we've got to go and test ourselves against the best.

“I don’t want to go down the road of hoping for [an easier draw or anything like that].

“I think we just need to go and test ourselves and stress ourselves. It would be good to see.

“Let’s hope for a good draw and give the club the chance to showcase ourselves, and give everyone something to look forward to, separate from the league.”

Regan Linney’s two first-half goals were enough to see United past Tamworth, for whom Riccardo Calder scored after the break.

The Blues had numerous chances to kill the game off, while Andy Peaks’ side hit the post twice.

Elliot admitted Carlisle should have been more clinical but was pleased that they earned a third win in four games.

Carlisle failed to take numerous chances to kill the game off - but still managed to prevail (Image: Ben Holmes)

“I’m pleased with the mentality because it was a reaction from last Saturday [the 0-0 draw with Kidderminster Harriers],” he said.

“Even though in the game metrics, we dominated that game, it wasn't the levels that we wanted – and this time it was.

“The consistencies are good in the fact that we're still dominating everything in terms of shots and possessions and shots against. But we still need to be leaner and cleaner and more ruthless.”

Elliot said Tamworth were dogged opponents who “hung in” when Carlisle failed to put the game out of sight.

“It’s the big moments that we still need to get better at, [such as scoring that extra goal. At 3-0, the game changes completely. At 2-1, it becomes nervous.

“But we've got what we needed out of the win, firstly, and then also out of the squad,” added Elliot, who made six changes to his side.

The head coach was pleased to see Linney increase his season’s tally to six, a week on from his saved penalty against Kidderminster.

His first goal saw the forward deflect home a Micah Obiero shot, while his second was a superbly-struck volley.

Elliot said Carlisle were due the kind of fortune they enjoyed for the opener.

“If there’s a Lady Luck in football, I think we've upset her over the last few months,” he said.

“But I always say that if you stay consistent and you work hard, the luckier you get. And I think that's what we're doing.

“Regan’s second strike is incredible. It probably won't get the credit it deserves.

Assistant boss Louis Storey led things from the technical area, with Elliot watching from the stand (Image: Ben Holmes)

“The frustrating thing is we probably missed the easier chances. But fair play to Tamworth – they cleared four off the line and their goalkeeper's made some brilliant saves.

“They've also hit the post themselves.

“It’s great to see us having another 27 or 28 shots again. But we still need to be more ruthless. And when that ruthlessness comes, then we are going to have some very memorable performances.”

While Tamworth’s goal made the second half a closer-run thing than it needed to be, Elliot was pleased Carlisle survived the Lambs’ remaining threat.

“I'll be honest, I didn't see their goal. I was walking back round to my perch [in the stand],” said Elliot, who was serving the second game of a two-match touchline ban.

“I had that little thought in my head when I heard the noise. I knew Tamworth had scored. But I thought we reacted well.

“I thought we dominated the game for the next 30 minutes. Then you get to the last 80-90 and they chuck a few more on. The pleasing thing was that I felt we were pretty resilient defensively.

“But then we still carried a threat the other way. I think that's the most important thing.

“At times you have to dig in, but you still have to carry a threat. It's like a boxer – sometimes you have to get your guard up and make sure you defend yourself.

“The best way to scare someone off is to still be able to throw that killer punch. We just weren't able to capitalise.”

Elliot said that a combination of “patience and consistency” is required for Carlisle to become more clinical with the high volume of chances they are creating.

“We’re getting the fans off their seat, but unfortunately at the moment we're sitting them back down quite a bit too quickly,” he added.

“It will come, and we just need to stick together and stick with the process of it.”