Notts County 1-1 Colchester United (EFL League Two) 18.02.25

Another stumble in the promotion race for Notts County as they could only draw with Colchester United at Meadow Lane, despite taking an early lead through Conor Grant.

It was a magical start for the Magpies after just three minutes as Kellan Gordon crossed into the box for the late arriving Grant who netted his first Notts goal since joining from MK Dons.

Two minutes later, Notts almost played themselves into trouble when a short back pass was capitalised on by Simpson who could only chip over the bar, history nearly repeating itself on 19 when Edwards then robbed Johnson before playing to Simpson who had his low shot saved by the feet of Bass, Anderson then blazing over the rebound.

Notts did strike a post as they searched for a second on 31 with a thunderous effort from George Abbott, but just a couple of minutes into the second half it was Colchester who deservedly pulled level, a low centre was put into his own net by Johnson under the challenge of Simpson.

Grant almost immediately restored Notts advantage with a left shot which went whiskers wide after Gordan crossed into the box and Gordon himself flashed wide on 71 another opportunity wasted, but Colchester dug in and an even contest ended level at the Lane, the Magpies now fourth in the table a point and a place outside the automatic promotion places, but with struggling Tranmere Rovers visiting on Saturday, it’ll be a chance for Stuart Maynard’s men to bounce back with a first victory in three as they look to fully revitalise their points tally towards target.

Magpies: Bass, Johnson, Platt, McDonald (Cundy 74), Gordon, Abbott, Palmer, Tsaroulla (Jarvis 73), Edwards (Whitaker 73), Jatta, Grant (Traore 73).

*Main image @Official_NCFC George Abbott in action against the U’s.