Abbott has urged his players to overcome their nerves

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott pointed the finger at his players following Tuesday's 3-1 defeat by Leyton Orient.

The defeat was the Cumbrians' third in the last five games at Brunton Park, leaving them just six points above the relegation zone.

"Players have to stand up and be honest," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"For the first time the players as a group, I feel, could have given a lot more for me tonight."

Abbott understands the tension that has been created by the recent poor form on home soil, particularly given the club's flirtation with the play-offs in the last two seasons.

But once again he is refusing to look for excuses as to his side's disappointing displays and results.

"There's an edginess at home," he said. "There's a fear of not performing in front of our fans.

"The young players are experiencing this for the first time in their careers.

"The fans have been terrific, their expectation levels are high and we haven't produced for them and that spreads to the pitch.

"But the players have to find a way of dealing with the pressure and the edginess that created here at the moment."

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