Colchester United boss, John McGreal insisted that “the season was not over”, despite seeing his side slip to five points adrift of the play-offs following today’s 3-1 defeat at Notts County.

McGreal said: “It is not over, not by a long way.

“We have a lot of games left, four of them at home, and we have only lost three points this afternoon.

“The season is not over, certainly.”

Experienced former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi was the star act for the Magpies, bagging a brace.

Defender Haydn Hollis swept the home side into an eighth minute lead, only for Chris Porter to equalise with a stunning strike in the 21st minute to rattle up his 14th goal of the season.

But Ameobi restored County’s lead with a wonderful effort of his own, blasting a first-time shot from long range past Sam Walker in the 34th minute.

And experienced Nigerian striker Ameobi wrapped up the points by rising high to head home Jorge Grant’s free-kick in the 73rd minute.

McGreal continued: “The best side won on the day, although we did have a bit of a go in the second half.

“But again, we gave a team a head start, like in our previous away game at Crewe.

“We gave away some poor goals, and although we steadied the ship with Chris Porter’s excellent equaliser, we conceded another soft goal soon afterwards.

“But their two strikers (Jon Stead and Ameobi) were hot, especially Ameobi, who was excellent today,” added McGreal.