MATCH REPORT: Carlisle United 4-0 Colchester United

A sparse Brunton Park witnessed Carlisle hammer an off-colour Colchester in conditions not for the faint-hearted.

Goals from Hallam Hope, Jerry Yates, Jamie Devitt and Danny Grainger sent the Cumbrians within four points of the play-off places.

John Sheridan welcomed back a few key names including skipper Danny Grainger; while John McGreal opted for an unchanged lineup.

Despite the opening stages being dominated by the hosts, the first legitimate chance of the affair went the way of The U’s; as Sammie Szmodics forced Adam Collin into a flying save across to his left.

The floodgates opened just as the hail came pouring down. Some fluid attacking play (a symbol how Carlisle played all afternoon) allowed Ashley Nadesan to fire across the six-yard box for Hole to tap in.

Following the interval, a corner for the visitors offered some hope of their own. However, the ball broke on the edge of the penalty area and Grainger spotted Yates bursting forward, playing a pinpoint ball to the Rotherham loanee. Yates held onto the ball until Devitt approached the ball, before receiving it back after the Irish playmaker drew the defender, and dispatched the ball home to double the lead.

It did not take long for Colchester to be punished on the counter-attack again; as Devitt got one for himself with ease to end the contest.

One would be forgiven for calling it a game of North vs South in the tough conditions. Players slipped throughout to unintentionally offer some comic relief for the crowd.

A lull in the competitiveness sunk in towards the closing stages, as mistakes from both sides crept into the encounter – an almost humorous period for the majority of freezing fans (who could relax late on for once.)

Captain Grainger did get the last laugh, hammering in free-kick from long range past goalkeeper Dillon Barnes (who appeared to have slipped) which meant a scene of camaraderie from the Carlisle players ensued – leaving Colchester to make the gruelling journey back home with their tails thoroughly between their legs.

In a game that epitomised the division, neither outfit would have expected such a gulf in class and it was far from a spectacle – but the considerably more ruthless side claimed victory in the battle of the CUFCs.

Attendance: 3,547 (114)

Home star man: Jamie Devitt

Away star man: Sammie Szmodics

Referee: Eddie Ilderton

words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle United correspondent