Loanee Darryl Duffy made his first start for the club just 28 hours after signing a 3-month deal, replacing striker Gary Madine who had been sent home earlier in the afternoon as he struggled with a stomach bug.

Stoke City loan signing Ben Marshall took a place on the bench as Greg Abbott looked to make it an unbelievable 9th consecutive Tuesday evening away day victory.

Graham Kavanagh had the first shot of the night when he took charge of a 25 yard free kick but he couldn't keep his effort down and it flew past the upright.

Prutton opened Carlisle up with a wonderful pass over the top that Wordsworth trapped nicely, but he rushed the shot and it spun away for a goal kick.

A well worked free kick from the home side on 16 minutes brought a moment of panic for the Cumbrians when the ball was laid back to Izzet. He fed it through to Wordsworth but he mishit his shot and sent it right at Collin.

United took the lead on 24 minutes when Kavanagh swung a free kick towards the back post. Ian Harte nodded it downwards but Williams was frustrated as it squirmed under his body and into the back of the net.

Steven Gillespie broke through on 32 minutes as United kept a high line and he brought a great diving save out of Collin when he tried to find the near post. The big keeper dropped low to get his fingertips to it and put it away for a corner.

Darryly Duffy had a pop from distance on 42 minutes but it lacked power and Williams was able to pluck it out of mid air.

The lively striker was involved again when he went one-on-one with Williams and the red shirts were furious when the Referee pointed to the corner as it appeared that the prostrate keeper had clipped Duffy's heels.

Thirlwell was in defensive action in time added on when he slid in to block a fizzed cross from Wordsworth and it was a timely intervention as Clive Platt raced in behind him.

Half Time: Colchester 0 - 1 United

A scrappy start to the second half saw neither side take control, but John White smashed one over from long range when a firm punch from Collin sat up in front of him. He struck it well but he couldn't keep it down.

Another excellent set piece from Kavanagh had the Colchester defence worried and Livesey got there first to glance it on. Williams reacted quickly and got the touch that was needed to send it wide.

The U's were back on level terms on 61 minutes when O'Toole found some space on the right flank. His cross was dangerous and Clive Platt stood strong and nodded it in with Collin stranded.

Colchester almost grabbed the lead with their next attack when Wordsworth stepped up to take a 23 yard free kick. His powerful shot dipped as it went over the wall, but Collin's goal was spared by the crossbar.

The woodwork was in play again moments later when Odejayi capitalised on a slip by Livesey. He angled in towards goal and thundered a low drive past the full length dive of Collin. He was relieved to see it ping back off the post.

Livesey tested Williams with a speculative effort that skipped up off the surface and it was an uncomfortable save that took it wide in the end.

There was as sting in the tail though when the U's grabbed the winner deep into time added on when a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball sitting up in front of Odejayi. He swivelled his hips and buried a scissor kick volley that left Collin with no chance. Discussions with the assistant referee followed as United remained convinced that the big striker had shot from a clear offside position.

Goals

Colchester - Platt (61), Odejayi (90 + 2)

United - Harte (24)

Bookings

United - Harte (90)

Teams 

Colchester United - Williams, Okuonghae, O'Toole, Platt, Izzet, Gillespie (Odejayi 59), Wordsworth, Tierney, White, Prutton (Henderson 67), Heath. Subs (not used) - Cousins, Fox, Batth, Ifil, Elito.

Carlisle United - Collin, Keogh, Livesey, Harte, Horwood, Hurst (Marshall 77), Clayton, Thirlwell, Kavanagh (Offiong 73), Robson, Duffy. Subs (not used) - Pidgeley, Bridge-Wilkinson, Murphy, Taiwo, Kane.

Away fans - tbc