Wolves 1 Colchester United 0: Elliott's strike hoists Wolves into fourth

Wolves were indebted to former Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott for marking his first start for almost two months with the only goal, rescuing a scrappy display and lifting Mick McCarthy's team to fourth in the Championship. "We didn't play well but we got three points. I'll take that every time," McCarthy said.

Colchester's spark belied their current run of seven matches without a win, contrasting with one defeat in 13 for Wolves, but Elliott struck after 32 minutes. Darren Gibson, from the left, found the head of Freddy Eastwood, goalkeeper Dean Gerken was unlucky, making a brilliant save only to knock the ball up for Elliott to score easily.

Wolves almost got a second when Eastwood hit the woodwork from 20 yards, but were fortunate when a stoppage time shot from Kemal Izzet bounced kindly for keeper Wayne Hennessey after hitting a post.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Hennessey; Foley, Craddock (Gray, 86), D Ward, Collins; Gibson, Henry, Potter, S Ward; Eastwood, Elliott (Keogh, 68). Substitutes not used: Stack (gk), Little, Jarvis.

Colchester United (4-4-2): Gerken; Duguid, Balogh (Connolly, 33), Virgo, Granville; Yeates, Izzet, Watson (McLeod, 62), Jackson; Platt, Lisbie (Sheringham, 72). Substitutes not used: Cousins (gk), Guy.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne and Wear).