Colchester United boss John McGreal described his side’s performance against Carlisle as “terrific” following today’s resounding 4-1 home win.

Chris Porter broke the deadlock with an 11th minute header, and although Shaun Brisley headed home a 28th minute equaliser, Guthrie then obliged with goals in the 33rd and 50th minutes to put the U’s 3-1 up, before then slotting home his hat-trick goal in the fourth minute of injury-time.

“It was a terrific performance, especially in the second half,” enthused McGreal.

“We got ahead early on, they clawed it back and we then got our noses in front again in the first half.

“Bur Carlisle had had a lot of chances, so we needed to tweak things at half-time, which we did to snuff out those chances.

“Carlisle are a good team, they are third in the league and they are up there for a reason.

“They kept going, even when they fell behind twice, but we managed to restrict them in the second half and had a lot of chances ourselves.

“We’ve played some great football today, and once again we have defended really, really well,” added McGreal.

As a result of today’s win, the U’s have soared to sixth in the table, leapfrogging Cambridge and Luton, who are in FA Cup action this weekend.

Remarkably, the U’s were in the relegation zone only seven weeks ago, but have now taken 22 points from a possible 24 in their last eight matches, with seven wins and a draw.

On hat-trick hero Guthrie, U’s boss McGreal said: “Kurtis has been able to adapt to playing at this level, and he’s had an opportunity to play in this league, which he is taking.

“He could have got his hat-trick a little earlier in the game, and now the fans have a song for him as well!” added McGreal.

Guthrie was playing in the National League with Forest Green Rovers last season.