Langstaff grabs his 28th goal of the season in a 1-0 win over struggling Colchester United

Written by Joe Booth

Notts Country finished their home season with a win over struggling Colchester with the second-half goal from Langstaff the difference maker in the game.

The away team nearly had a dream start fullback Ellis Landolo attempted a shot toward the goal from halfway. However, Nott’s goalkeeper Ashby-Hammond managed to touch the ball, directing it onto the crossbar, thereby keeping the score even.

Colchester required results elsewhere to ensure their safety and avoid relegation from League Two to the National League.

As the game progressed, Notts improved their performance and generated a series of efforts. A header by Macaulay Langstaff and a shot by Jodi Jones narrowly missed the target.

Langstaff had the best chance to score when he raced through towards the goal. However, Ryan Harbottle made a crucial challenge to save the goal.

Jones was found free at the back stick but his full volley effort hit the top of the bar and went behind.

Just before halftime, the away fans celebrated as Crawley had scored against Sutton, ensuring that if Colchester avoided defeat they would survive.

On the byline was Dan Crowley pulling the ball back and finding Langstaff in the box, whose shot hit the underside of the crossbar and went in.

Langstaff scored his 28th goal and Crowley his 11th assist, putting Notts County’s striker four goals ahead of Wrexham’s Paul Mullin in the Golden Boot race.

With 75 minutes on the clock and results elsewhere not helping the away side they were forced to be more attacking and newly introduced John Akinde was played in his pullback but could only find the ever-present Crowley to clear the ball away.

Colchester best chance fell when Jayden Fevrier cut inside firing towards the bottom corner, but Ashby-Hammond was firm and prevented a late away side goal.

Nott was able to hold on and take all three points and end the home fixtures on a high with their final game of the season away at Forest Green Rovers.

Meanwhile, Crawley’s late goal at Sutton would all but confirm Colchester place in next year’s League Two.