Laws - the players are absolutely gutted.

Last updated : 23 March 2004 By Luke Thornhill

Despite two goals from Steve MacLean United went down 3-2, only the second time the visitors have won away from home this season.

Cleveland Taylor should have earned the Iron a point out of the game, but saw his late effort come back off the inside of the post.

Laws said: "I'm devastated we haven't anything to show. I couldn't have asked for more commitment.

"There was no shortage of desire and the players are absolutely gutted. We shall survive. I'm confident we can steer clear of trouble.

"Carlisle scored twice from shots that took a deflection and there is not really a lot a team can do about that.

"We were tentative at the start and that is understandable but we hit back well after Carlisle had taken an early lead.

"We were in control and I really did not want half-time to come. We started the second half really well but those two goals Carlisle scored just sum up the way our luck is going at the moment."

Carlisle Player-manager Paul Simpson insisted that his side fully deserved the three points.

He said: "I'm delighted with our performance. We scored three excellent goals and fully deserved to win. We still believe we have a chance."