Carlisle United lost more ground at the foot of League One when they were thumped 4-0 at home by Cambridge United.
They are now 13 points from safety, firmly trapped in the drop zone and with seven successive defeats, look set for a quick return to League Two.
Although Carlisle started brightly their lack of bite in the final third was quite apparent, and defensive shortcomings later on meant they were well beaten.
Sullay Kaikai, who had not scored in his five previous games for the visitors put them in front on 14 minutes completing a good move with a well-struck shot into the bottom
A mistake by goalkeeper Harry Lewis contributed to the second gaol on 69 minutes as Sam Lavelle ended by putting into his own net.
Three minutes later it was virtually all over as Elias Kachunga headed home and the home fans were already heading home when Lian Bennett added a late fourth.
It was difficult to recall highlights for Carlisle in the Cambridge box but two deadline signings had their best efforts. Josh Vela had a close-range header saved by Cambridge keeper Jack Stevens while Harrison Neal had a shot blocked.
There were certainly more efforts in the Carlisle box as Kaikai and defender James Gibbons both had shots blocked and a well-struck free-kick from Danny Andrew
Manager Paul Simpson said afterwards: “I suppose in many ways this was the most disappointing result of the game. I thought we started well again but we lacked in the final third.
“They scored a good opening goal and although we started the second-half brightly a very poor goal made it 2-0 and after that they obviously grew in confidence and won easily.”
It was a welcome win for Cambridge as they were coming back from successive defeats.
