Colchester manager John Ward was unable to defend his side after seeing their lingering play-off hopes dashed in a 4-1 defeat at former club Carlisle.

The Cumbrians turned in a scintillating first-half display and their play was rewarded with goals from midfielder James Berrett, striker Craig Curran's double and Liam Noble.

Colchester pulled a goal back against the run of play in the 71st minute through Steven Gillespie.

Ward, replaced as Carlisle boss by Greg Abbott in November 2008, said: "I've been able to come out and defend the team in the past, but not today.

"One thing I'm not, I'm not a fool. It was a poor performance.

"We didn't hurt them as much as they hurt us. When you get beaten by a better side you have to say so and that's what happened to us."

Source: PA