John Sheridan said Carlisle United’s outstanding 4-0 win against Colchester is the standard they must aim for every week.

The Blues’ biggest Brunton Park victory for more than a year was a much-needed tonic after a period of poor form.

Sheridan said he was pleased they finally recorded an emphatic win in front of United’s home fans. And he said the display showed what his side are capable of.

“What we showed [in this game] is what I want,” the United manager said. “We showed confidence in the way we passed and moved the ball, we had a bit of cutting edge in us, and also some cockiness in the right way, because we were playing well and creating chances.

“If we can keep that standard up, we’ll win a lot more games than we lose.”

Hallam Hope’s first goal in eight games put United ahead before Jerry Yates’ first home league goal, and the fit-again pair of Jamie Devitt and Danny Grainger, wrapped things up after the break.

The result against the third-placed visitors edged Carlisle back into the top half of League Two.

“It was a very good performance against a really good team who are going well in the league,” Sheridan said.

“I’m just pleased we’ve done it at home. It’s brilliant for the supporters. They’ve stuck by us. Since I’ve been here no-one’s moaned.

“Our home record’s nowhere near good enough for me but I do know, deep down, we’ve got some good players and we’re a decent team on our day.

“We took our chances and should have scored more. Conditions were difficult but the pitch was nice and zippy for us.

“It’s a big win for us going into a big period.”

Sheridan highlighted the crucial save made by Adam Collin to deny Sammie Szmodics shortly before Hope opened the scoring.

He was also rewarded for an enterprising selection which saw Yates in his preferred centre-forward position in the middle of an attacking three, Jack Sowerby also pushed back up into central midfield.

“I wanted Devitt and Sowerby getting forward, and the three lads up front,” he said. “I had three centre-forwards and I wanted them thinking goals. It’s turned out alright for us.

“They’re all as honest as the day is long. They’ll always give me effort and work ethic. But strikers get judged on goals and we should have more for the chances we’ve created. I’m pleased a couple of them got on the scoresheet.”

United’s victory came, though, in front of just 3,547 fans.

Sheridan added: “I can’t tell people they’ve got to come to the game - it’s up to them. If they come and watch performances like [this], the crowd will come back.

“I totally understand the crowds. I’m just pleased we won 4-0, played really well, and whoever has come to watch, I’m pleased for them.”

On January movement, meanwhile, Sheridan played down suggestions he could move for Sheffield United’s former Barrow loan striker Tyler Smith.

He is also hoping to finalise deals to extend the stays of Anthony Gerrard and Louis Gray at Brunton Park, along with loanees Yates and Jack Sowerby.

The manager also said he would “chase up” the situation with Ashley Nadesan, who is expected to leave next month.

Sheridan said he hoped a period of rest will benefit Macaulay Gillesphey’s knee injury after the defender was replaced at half-time.

He also said George Glendon will be fit to return next weekend having missed the last two games with a knee problem.