Promotion-chasing Colchester claimed a dominant 3-0 victory over visitors Carlisle.

Colchester goalkeeper Ethan Ross made a good save early on to deny Hallam Hope, who also saw a deflected shot sail just wide soon after.

But the U's looked more dangerous and Luke Gambin was just unable to squeeze a chance home from five yards.

Colchester went ahead in the 26th minute when Cohen Bramall delivered a low cross that went in off Carlisle defender Nathaniel Knight-Percival from close range.

Carlisle goalkeeper Adam Collin saved well from Callum Harriott and Harry Pell and, although Ross saved Ryan Loft's shot with his legs, Colchester doubled their lead in the 42nd minute.

Harriott was quickest to react to score from close range, after Collin had beaten Kwame Poku's fierce strike into his path.

And it was 3-0 in the 52nd minute when Bramall curled in a superb 25-yard free-kick.

Collin pushed away Theo Robinson's close-range effort soon after, as Colchester recorded a convincing win.

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