Ronan Murray's early strike has ensured that Notts County lead Colchester United 1-0 at half time, although the away side have wasted a number of good chances to draw level.

The home side began the game brightly and Liam Noble fired a shot goalwards inside the first two minutes, but it was saved by Sam Walker.

There was nothing the U's goalkeeper could do about the opener though, as Murray turned home Nicky Wroe's shot at the second attempt in the sixth minute.

Veteran goalkeeper Roy Carroll kept his side ahead a few minutes later with a reaction save from Jabo Ibehre's close-range header.

Two further chances fell the way of the Colchester striker shortly after, but Carroll saved again from the first attempt before Ibehre headed wide when he should have guided his effort on target.

Nonetheless, the visitors continued to come forward and Dominic Vose's snapshot from 20 yards fizzed narrowly over the bar after 22 minutes before Marcus Bean's free header from six yards bounced over the frame of the goal.

Carroll was kept incredibly busy throughout the first half, first denying Wroe once more and then deflecting Ibehre's shot away with his leg as his display ensured the home side went into the break leading.