COLCHESTER United skipper Kemi Izzet admits he was left ‘dumbfounded’ by how easily the U’s succumbed to defeat at Carlisle on Saturday.

The Essex side were three goals down at the break and ended up losing 4-1 at Brunton Park.

It was their biggest away loss in the league this season, with the U’s having now lost 11 of their last 14 on their travels in League One.

“I don’t know where to start really,” said Izzet.

“We didn’t stop our runners, when we got into the final third we weren’t clinical enough, we looked lethargic – it was just a really bad day at the office.

“We actually started pretty well, but their opener has come off my foot and that’s the only reason it’s beaten Ben (Williams). Then it just turned into one of those days.

“We didn’t defend well enough all over the pitch and I just feel sorry for all those that travelled all this way to watch that.”

Fellow midfielder Andy Bond added: “We had a good day training up here yesterday (Friday) and felt confident going into the game.

“Even at 1-0 and 2-0 I thought we’d come back because we’d started very well, but then they get the third and it’s suddenly a long way back.

“We can’t seem to put our finger on the away form when the home form is second to none, I just don’t know why it is how it is.”