Notts County have maintained their promotion challenge in League One with a 1-0 victory away to Coventry City.

The hosts enjoyed a strong start as Adam Barton saw his powerful drive flash past the post, but Notts soon began to dictate play.

Stephen McLaughlin's deflected effort fell kindly for the goalkeeper on 13 minutes before Aaron Phillips cleared off the line when a Mike Edwards header from a corner looked destined to find the net.

Despite the away team's dominance, the poor pitch proved to be a leveller during a drab opening half as the two sides struggled to conjure up further opportunities.

Coventry were much improved in the second half as Jack Finch hit a ferocious shot off target before Gary Madine's free kick went over the crossbar.

However, it was the Magpies who made the breakthrough on 72 minutes when Garry Thompson scored his sixth goal in six games with a composed finish from close range.

The Sky Blues were appealing for a penalty with just two minutes remaining when Madine went down in the box, but their appeals were waved away by the referee as Notts held on for the three points.