TOM Lapslie admits emotions ran high among Colchester United’s players during their 4-0 defeat at Carlisle United.

But the U’s midfielder insists they are determined to quickly recover from the setback – starting when they report back for training today.

Colchester were thumped at Brunton Park to suffer their joint heaviest defeat under boss John McGreal, in League Two.

Lapslie said: “No-one likes losing and tempers and emotions are running high when goals are going in or mistakes are happening.

“None of the players who started or who were on the bench or the staff came (to Carlisle) to lose.

“It was frustrating and no-one wants it to happen.

“Things have been said but that’s what happens after a game of football, especially in the manner that we’ve lost.

“People have had their say but it can be a beneficial thing - we’re not saying it to dig people out."

Lapslie apologised to Colchester’s travelling supporters after their defeat at Carlisle.

The U’s were backed by 114 fans - many of whom made the 625-mile round trip to Cumbria - and midfielder Lapslie admitted the performance and result was not good enough.

He said: “I think we need to apologise to the fans who have made the trip up.

“We let them down and let ourselves down and it’s nowhere near where we feel we’re at and where we can be.

“Hopefully, it’s a one in 46 (match) performance from us because it can’t be happening again.

“It was just one of those days at the office and we know we didn’t play well at all.”

Colchester, who remain third in the table despite the defeat, trailed by one goal at the break following Hallam Hope’s strike.

But they were second best after half-time, with goals from Jerry Yates, Jamie Devitt and Danny Grainger sealing a big win for Carlisle who had lost six of their previous seven home games.

“We didn’t play too well in the first half but coming in at half-time, it was only 1-0,” said Lapslie.

“We said all the right things but then we go and concede an awful second goal from our own corner.

“That goal summed our whole afternoon up really and then a third went in.

“We’re still trying to give it a go and then the kid’s (Danny Grainger) scores a free-kick in the last minute to pretty much top off what had been a horrific afternoon for us.”

Colchester’s defeat at Carlisle was their first in four matches and only their four on the road in the league, this season.

Lapslie added: “We’ve picked up some massive away points and wins, this season.

“Mansfield was a massive point and we beat Forest Green, who are a good side.

“We know that there are no problems at home but we have sorted the away form a little bit this season and picked up some results.

“Carlisle was one of those days and the good thing is that it is only three points lost.

“We lost a game of football and it’ll happen.

“The manner of it obviously wasn’t good and we’re not liking the way we’ve lost it but ultimately, it is three points.

“Let’s just see how we get on next weekend against MK Dons.”

Colchester’s under-23s travel to play their Cardiff City counterparts this afternoon.

The Professional Development League Two game kicks off at 1pm.