Last updated at 11:37, Monday, 22 October 2012

Greg Abbott today admitted he was “worried” and “concerned” by Carlisle United’s woes at both ends of the pitch.

Colchester keeper Mark Cousins beats Carlisle players to the ball

The focus was on the Blues’ poor finishing after their slump to a 2-0 defeat at Colchester which knocked them down to 17th in League One.

But United’s inability to keep clean sheets remains under the microscope with their goal difference now -8 after 13 games – the third worst record in the division.

The Cumbrians now face two home games this week, starting with Oldham’s visit tomorrow, and Abbott admits that though United’s overall display in Essex was good, their flaws in both boxes had cost them.

“It is a concern to me,” he said. “I don’t like losing games. I want to be in the top part of the division.

“The [defensive record] is a worry. It was 10 or 12 minutes of madness at Colchester and that’s what happens.

“We need to get a goal against the grain ourselves sometimes and put ourselves in the box seat.

“The players can be encouraged that they played well enough to win the game and I was absolutely staggered that we lost it.

“But it is what happens in each box that makes the difference.

“We didn’t take advantage of our good situations and we gifted two goals.

“What happens in the middle of the pitch doesn’t add up to much.”

The loss at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, which ended a four-match unbeaten away run, saw several Blues players blow gilt-edged chances.

Joe Garner, James Berrett and Mike Edwards were among the culprits, as Craig Eastmond and Jabo Ibehre netted in the space of six first-half minutes for the Us.

The double blow came after United had started the game well, with Abbott changing his team into a ‘diamond’ midfield which included Chris Chantler in the middle and Matty Robson at left-back.

“We made a brilliant start and Colchester changed shape to stop us carving them open,” the manager said.

“I look back and don’t think I can prepare the team any better.

“I’m powerless. I asked someone in the crowd if they would come on and head it in for us.

“It was one of those days where you either laughed or cried.”

United have kept only one clean sheet in 13 league games and Abbott admitted he is running out of alternatives in a bid to make his side tighter at the back.

“I can’t try too many more things,” he said.

Former Blues target Sanchez Watt, who rejected a move to Carlisle for family reasons, set up both Colchester goals.

Abbott added: “Sanchez is where he wants to be, near his home, and he’s not in my thoughts at the minute.

“He was involved in both goals and that’s the way it is.”

Abbott will have Paul Thirlwell back from suspension tomorrow as he plots a formula to revive United’s poor home form and get the Blues moving up the table.

United’s youth team surrendered a three-goal lead in the last 28 minutes to lose 4-3 at Burnley.

Pat Brough (two) and Kyle Dempsey had put Eric Kinder’s side in command before the Clarets hit back.

First published at 11:20, Monday, 22 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk