‘It was our poorest performance of the season’ - admits U’s boss McGreal after heavy defeat at Carlisle

Colchester United boss, John McGreal, admitted that his side served up their “poorest performance of the season’ in crashing to a 4-0 defeat at Carlisle United this afternoon.

The U’s stay third in the table, despite today’s heavy defeat, but they will need to improve dramatically to avoid another disappointment on the road at second-placed MK Dons next weekend.

Sammie Szmodics was denied by a great save from keeper Collin in the 27th minute, and that proved a pivotal moment as the Essex visitors were trailing to Hallam Hope’s strike on 33 minutes.

The U’s were caught out by a quick breakaway for the Cumbrians’ second goal, which arrived on 51 minutes.

It was from the U’s attacking corner that the home side pounced, with Jerry Yates in the right place to eventually steer home from a central position.

Jamie Devitt swept home a loose ball, following a good block by Dillon Barnes from Ashley Nadesan’s shot, to put Carlisle 3-0 up just six minutes later.

The U’s misery was completed by Danny Grainger firing home a free-kick with his trusty left foot in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a 4-0 home win.

“It was an afternoon to forget,” confessed McGreal.

“It was one where the travelling fans have come so far to show their support, but it was a very disappointing afternoon all round.

“It’s one that you would never coming, after the way we have been performing lately.

“There’s no dressing up this up – the second half was a really poor performance,

“In fact, this was the poorest performance of the season.

“The only bright light in the game was Sammie Szmodics’ effort in the first half.

“It is a game to forget, after analysing it.

“But we can’t get too disheartened with what has happened. These results do spring up in this league, from time to time,” added McGreal.

COLCHESTER: Barnes, Jackson, Prosser, Kent (sub Kensdale, 68), Vincent-Young (sub Dickenson, 59), Lapslie, Pell, Senior, Szmodics, Nouble, Mandron (sub Norris, 60). Unused subs: Gilmartin, Comley, Gondoh, Collins.

Attendance: 3,547