Notts County missed the chance to move into the League Two automatic-promotion spots after drawing 1-1 at home to Colchester.

Conor Grant’s early effort was cancelled out by Tyreece Simpson’s goal early in the second half to leave County fourth, one point behind third-placed Doncaster.

The Magpies went ahead in the third minute when Grant turned home Kellan Gordon’s cross.

Simpson had a shot stopped by Alex Bass before Harry Anderson fired over the rebound as Colchester looked for an equaliser.

Curtis Edwards then broke the Colchester backline and fired low across the penalty area where Alassana Jatta turned wide.

George Abbott stepped up next to try his luck from range and hit the post with Matt Macey beaten.

Anderson responded with Colchester’s next chance, bringing out a save from Bass.

Colchester had their equaliser three minutes into the second half when Jack Payne’s cutback found Simpson and the forward was on hand to turn home beyond Bass.