Ward has led his side to the top of the League One table

Carlisle United manager John Ward admits his team must address their defensive frailties ahead of Saturday's fixture at Leyton Orient.

The Cumbrians, who top League One, have conceded four goals in their opening two league fixtures.

"We have a duty to entertain if we can but I also have a duty to win games," Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We've been a bit loose defensively. Last year we had a good record and that's something we need to look at."

The Cumbrians followed up their opening-day 3-2 win at Bristol Rovers with a 4-2 home win over Crewe Alexandra.

We're not always going to be able to get three or four goals each time we concede two so we've got to stop making that difficult for ourselves Carlisle boss John Ward

"We've got players who can provide some exciting football going forward but we have to get the balance right," Ward said.

"Greg [Abbott] and I are a bit concerned about the fact that we've conceded four goals and we've been trying to put that to rights in training this week.

"We're not always going to be able to get three or four goals each time we concede two so we've got to stop making that difficult for ourselves."

Ward had praise for Danny Graham after the striker's two goals against Crewe. Graham, last season's top scorer with 17 goals, went the whole of pre-season without finding the net.

"I was delighted for Danny," Ward said. "But I've always said I will judge a striker on the days they don't score.

"The goals are obvious to see. Danny Graham did a good job alongside Danny Carlton at Bristol Rovers and Carlton did a good job alongside Danny Graham against Crewe.

"I'm happy with that partnership and the players seem to be positive with it."

The Cumbrians boss also praised the performance of Gary Madine and Michael Bridges as a partnership in the reserves' 4-1 win over Rochdale.

"I thought two of them are already linking up very well.

"I'm seeing some good things from my forwards but they've got to have enough of the ball to do that so that is something else we can work on."