Colchester United 0-1 Notts County

Paddy McCourt scored his first goal for Notts County since joining on loan from Brighton last month

Paddy McCourt eased pressure on relegation-threatened Notts County with the only goal against Colchester.

Gary Jones went close for the hosts before Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Blair Adams and Liam Noble all tested keeper Sam Walker at the other end.

Magpies keeper Roy Carroll kept Gavin Massey out, with McCourt then meeting a Campbell-Ryce cross to head home.

Adams ensured victory, clearing Macauley Bonne's effort off the line to move Notts six points clear of danger.

Colchester United manager Tony Humes told BBC Essex:

"We didn't get going at all. We didn't pass the ball how we set out to go and play. We didn't keep possession.

"Notts County did to us what we were expecting to do to them.

"It's a massive disappointment, but we've got to be better. Disappointment's not a good thing to have, because you've got regrets about what happened on the pitch.

"People are shouting there's no passion, but the players gave it a go. It wasn't great, but I wouldn't say anybody didn't try out there. Everything we set out to do just didn't happen."

Notts County manager Shaun Derry told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"Myself and Greg (Abbott) had a chat at half-time. We hoped it wouldn't be like Saturday when we dominated and couldn't get the goal.

"Thankfully, there was a little bit of magic from the new lads. It just takes a little bit of magic, a turn of pace and a cross - and Paddy has got on the end of it.

"I'm just relieved that this horrible run that we've been on is over. We're not taking anything for granted as we've got a tough last 13 games coming up."