Colchester United made it back-to-back wins in League One with a thumping 4-2 victory at Carlisle United this afternoon.

Joe Dunne’s side continued their improved run of form with an emphatic win at Brunton Park.

Carlisle started well, with U’s goalkeeper Sam Walker denying Tom Lawrence at his near post after the Manchester United loanee had tormented the away defence.

But Colchester went ahead in the 16th minute through Watt, who collected Marcus Bean’s pass before running at the Carlisle defence and drilled a low left-shot past goalkeeper Greg Fleming.

However, the U’s lead lasted less than two minutes.

James Berrett’s free-kick into the area was not dealt with by the U’s defence and the ball appeared to fly in off Magnus Okuonghae.

Lawrence’s effort flew straight into Walker’s arms and the U’s goalkeeper palmed over David Amoo’s effort, as half-time approached.

But just when it looked as though the teams would go in level at the break, Colchester regained their lead in first-half stoppage-time when Watt capitalised on uncertainty in the Carlisle defence to tap home, after Clinton Morrison had helped on Brian Wilson’s throw.

Walker tipped away Amoo’s effort before the hour but Colchester made it 3-1 just after the midway point in the second half through Marcus Bean, who headed in at the far post from Luke Garbutt’s searching free-kick.

Things got even better for Colchester five minutes later when Max Ehmer diverted Dominic Vose's cross into his own net, to put the U’s practically out of sight.

Ehmer tapped home Carlisle’s second in stoppage-time after Walker had failed to hold Lawrence’s free-kick but by then, the U’s had secured the points.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester’s win at Carlisle, see Monday’s Gazette.