There hadn’t been too much disappointment over Carlisle’s 2-0 home loss to Notts Forest Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
For that had followed a magnificent League One win at Holton and manager Paul Simpson had made lots of changes.
But today’s 1-0 home defeat to Leyton Orient was altogether a different matter as it leaves United hovering above the drop zone with teams below them having two games in hand.
Despite bossing possession 59-41 per cent they only managed one shot on target in the whole game, and the Londoners were always the more dangerous side.
Even so there was a close call for Orient as they made a nervous finish to the game when the Blues Terry Ablade hit the woodwork.
It was a fifth goal of the season from Ruel Sotiriou which proved the difference between the two sides in the end.
Joe Pigott released Sitoriou on 21 minutes with a clever through ball and he made no mistake which enabled Richie Wellens men to leave Cumbria with maximum points for the second year in a row.
Orient, with just one defeat in seven games in all competitions, got off to a lively start and after Idris el Mizouni hit the crossbar home keeper Tomas Holy had to distinguish himself with saves to deny Dan Happe and Sotiriou.
After a lack-lustre effort Carlisle certainly improved after half-time but the nearest to a goal was El Mizouni for Orient who missed a great opportunity on 63 minutes.
