Second-half goals from Charlie Whitaker and Alassana Jatta gave Notts County a 2-0 win over struggling Morecambe which lifts them up to second in Sky Bet League Two.

County closed the deficit on leaders Walsall to six points with a fifth win in six matches, following the latter’s defeat at Colchester.

Whitaker’s strike from the edge of the area looked destined to give County an early lead but the shot was met by a fantastic save by former Magpies goalkeeper Ryan Schofield.

Jodi Jones’ whipped cross was then met by the forehead of Gambian forward Jatta but his header flashed wide of the post.

Morecambe responded well and David Tutonda created a golden opportunity for Lee Angol, who saw his effort cannon back off the near post.

After half-time Kellan Gordon raced in on goal and looked poised to give the hosts the lead but the outstretched right arm of Schofield diverted the ball away from goal.

The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute. Great work from Will Jarvis down the left led to a cross Schofield could only spill into the path of Whitaker, who fired above and beyond the Morecambe keeper.

The visitors again responded well and Marcus Dackers threatened but saw a low effort kept out by the legs of Magpies keeper Alex Bass.

It was 2-0 in the 75th minute when Jatta rounded Schofield and tapped the ball home into an empty net for his 14th goal of the campaign.