Colchester United experienced a day to forget at Carlisle United.

The U's were beaten 4-0 at Brunton Park, against a side who had lost six of their previous seven home games.

Here are five talking points from a hugely disappointing afternoon for John McGreal's side.

Out of character

THERE was no dressing up Colchester United’s performance at Carlisle United.

They were second best in all departments against their rampant hosts, particularly in the second half.

The goals the U’s conceded were sloppy at best and they did not create nearly enough opportunities.

The good thing is that all of this was very out of character this season for John McGreal’s side, who have otherwise been impressive at both ends of the pitch throughout this campaign.

Let’s hope this disappointment was a complete one off.

A treacherous trip

COLCHESTER United’s supporters battled the elements in order to make the 625-mile round trip to Carlisle United.

It was not an easy day for travelling to say the least, with high winds and arctic conditions making road conditions treacherous.

The 114 U’s fans who managed to make it to Brunton Park would have been hoping for something to make their long journey worthwhile but alas, that did not happen.

As boss John McGreal said afterwards, it really was a day to forget for anyone with a U’s persuasion.

Heated words

DIFFERENCES of opinion between team-mates are never really a good thing on the pitch – mainly because it means the side concerned is losing.

It was probably not surprising that Colchester United players were seen squabbling on more than one occasion during their drab showing against Carlisle United.

However, what it does show when it happens is that the players care.

“There’s an expression of views and you don’t want people to be happy,” said boss John McGreal.

“You see players who care who are trying to do things right.”

The heated words continued after the game, with Frank Nouble apparently given pelters by one or two U’s fans immediately after the final whistle.

Passion can be a good thing for both players and supporters – but usually only if it’s in a constructive way.

Sleeveless shirts

IT was perhaps no coincidence that Colchester United’s man of the match against Carlisle United was the only U’s player to adorn a short sleeve shirt in the freezing Cumbria conditions.

Tom Lapslie has never been one to shirk a challenge and that includes the weather, as he showed at Brunton Park.

The U’s midfielder is a tough customer and never gave up the cause yesterday even when his side were 4-0 down and the game was lost.

He seems to be getting better and better each season and Colchester are lucky to have him in their midfield.

Time to respond again

EACH time Colchester United have suffered a setback in League Two this season, they have responded accordingly.

Of their five defeats in League Two prior to the 4-0 drubbing at Carlisle United, they have won four and drawn one of the games that have immediately followed.

That bodes well for this weekend, especially as Colchester’s next game is against arguably the best team in the division.

A trip to play league leaders MK Dons might on paper not look like the most appetising option after a big defeat but in a strange way, it may be just the kind of game John McGreal’s side need after such a disappointment.