Colchester United boss, John McGreal, was satisfied with his side’s performance, despite this afternoon’s 2-0 defeat at high-flying Carlisle.

Second-half goals by Jason Kennedy and former U’s striker Jabo Ibehre condemned McGreal’s men to defeat at Brunton Park, making it just two points gathered from a possible 12 in their last four matches.

McGreal said: “It’s not all doom and gloom, no way.

“We played well, and again it was a game of fine margins.

“We’re just not taking our chances at the moment, and on another day Sammie (Szmodics) would have stuck away his chance. I’m sure he will soon be going on a run of goals.

“This is a fresh team this season, a new XI, and some of our football has been terrific.

“We’re creating the opportunities to score, but we’re just going through a period of not scoring. I’m sure that will turn.

“We will keep pushing. The boys are a bit sore, mentally, after this defeat, but the league is still very tight,” added McGreal.