Colchester United were beaten 3-1 at Notts County this afternoon to leave them five points above the League One relegation zone with three games to go.

Jabo Ibehre missed an excellent chance in the opening stages when he headed over unmarked from a good position.

And the U's were made to pay for that miss soon after when Jeff Hughes prodded home Tyrell Waite's low cross from close range, after 18 minutes.

U's keeper Sam Walker prevented Waite from doubling Notts County's lead soon after and the home side sensed another goal.

But Colchester got back on level terms in the 37th minute through Ibehre, who converted from three yards after Andrew Bond's low cross had followed an excellent team move.

Referee Tony Harrington added on 13 minutes of stoppage-time at the end of the half after U's midfielder David Wright was stretchered off following a collision with Notts County striker Waite, just inside the Colchester half.

Drey Wright went close in the opening stages of the second half and Bradley Garmston had an effort palmed away by Magpies goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski, as the U's pressed for a goal.

But they fell behind with 13 minutes to go when substitute Yoann Arquin headed home Alan Sheehan's corner from close range.

And substitute Romello Nangle slid home a third goal for the home side late on, to leave Colchester defeated.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game at Notts County, see Monday's Gazette.