91Èȱ¬

Notts County moved out of the League One relegation zone after a comfortable win over Colchester United.

Ronan Murray gave the home side an early lead when he broke clear and finished under U's keeper Sam Walker.

Haydn Hollis headed in his third goal in three games in first-half injury time from Alan Sheehan's free-kick as the Magpies took control of the game.

The U's had their opportunities as Freddie Sears's effort hit the post, while Notts' Jimmy Spencer went close.

Shaun Derry's Magpies are out the drop zone on goal difference, level with four teams now on 40 points and they are a place and three points behind Colchester.

Notts County boss Shaun Derry told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Nottingham:

"If I'm honest I was hoping for seven points but to get the nine from the last three games is fantastic.

"We are still in a relegation battle though. The home games will be key, we need the support like we got today.

"Ronan is in a bit of form, he's got a bit of confidence and it's helping us. Everyone is working together though at the moment and that is what's important."

Colchester United manager Joe Dunne told 91Èȱ¬ Essex:

"We can control how individually and collectively we take responsibility for when games start. Once again we've given them a start.

"After that I think we dominated the first half, I think we've had as many shots, we've hit the post again twice - we're a hard-luck story at the moment.

"Overall, results are not great at the moment but we have to keep believing.

"The statistics will tell us that we are getting into good areas and we are getting opportunities. What we have to do is take them."