A 3-2 defeat at Leyton Orient saw Carlisle United slip to the bottom of League One.
They are ten points from safety and have played more games than any of the four sides immediately above them.
Manager Paul Simpson’s hard work to strengthen the squad has to pay off in their last 16 games or they will be back in League One.
It was one of the January arrivals Josh Vela who put Carlisle ahead after 21 minutes, although he knew little about it.
They had been on the back foot until putting together a rare attack when an intended clearance by Omar Beckles hit Josh Vela and flew into the net.
Orient, however, led 2-1 at the break with two goals late in the half from Shaqai Forde.
Taking a lovely pass from George Moncur on 40 minutes he fired past United keeper Harry Lewis from the edge of the area.
In the fourth minute of time added on a corner from Theo Archibald was flicked on by Jordan Brown and Forde was there at close range to head home.
The points were virtually sealed on 58 minute a quick counter attack led by Archibald ended with Ruel Sotiriou scoring the third.
There was a late goal from the penalty spot for Sean Maguire but that was really only a statistical change five minutes into added time.
This was Carlisle’s fifth defeat in a row and they have now just won once in 13 games and unless that changes a quick return to League Two beckons.
