Only time will tell how this heavy defeat impacts on the players morale but looking at the throng of disconsolate Carlisle fans leaving the ground their worst fears are now becoming a distinct possibility.

Manager Roddy Collins was philosophical in defeat and said: "It was disappointing but when you come down here with the personnel and the injuries that we had, I don't want to make excuses, but it was always going to be difficult. We needed a goal first to ease the pressure that was going to come because if you sit back against a side like Wrexham they will tear you apart.

"We had a couple of good chances before they scored and could have nicked one to put them under a bit of pressure and unsettle their fans.

“We conceded goals again from set pieces and that was disappointing. But we have to see about the injuries we have and prepare for the trip to Torquay next Saturday.”

Carlisle had the first opening on 4 minutes when Adam Rundle went clear on the left but Brian Wake disappointingly headed wide the inch perfect cross.

Matty Glennon then made the first save of what was to become a busy afternoon. Darren Ferguson’s corner was returned to him courtesy of Richie Foran and his perfect lob was destined for the top corner until Glennon’s fingertip save turned the ball over the bar.

Glennon the had to go full length to keep out a lee Trundle effort before Wrexham took the lead with a penalty on 22 minutes. Morrell's surging run came to an abrupt end sandwiched between Glennon and Peter Murphy. Morrell stepped up to send Glennon the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Ten minutes later the lead was extended when Ferguson's corner was flicked on by Carey for Morrell to rifle a shot into the roof of the net.

The third came on 39 minutes when Ferguson's corner was allowed to bounce with Carey reacting to head the loose ball home.

The agony increased nine minutes into the second half when Ferguson's low free-kick into the box was turned in by the unmarked Carey.

The busy Glennon saved well with his legs to keep out Trundle before a Roberts header flashed narrowly over from another immaculate Ferguson free kick.

The Cumbrians pulled a goal back on 68 minutes when Brian Wake got on the end Ryan Baldacchino's far post cross to head across Andy Dibble and in off the far post.

But Wrexham were still not finished as the fifth came on 85 minutes, when Holmes deep free kick was met with a powerful Morrell header to clinch an impressive hat-trick.

The final nail was driven home with a minute remaining when Edwards ran unchallenged to the edge of the box before crashing a left foot shot past Glennon.