Wolverhampton Wanderers demonstrated last night that good fortune can be as vital an ingredient for success as an array of expensive talent. The victory keeps Wolves in the race for promotion to the Barclays Premier League and that it was secured by Stephen Elliott, scoring his first goal at Molineux, is evidence of the depth of Mick McCarthy’s squad.

The Ireland striker, a £125,000 buy from Sunderland in the summer, who had not started in any of the past seven games, played alongside Freddy Eastwood, another striker whose appearances in the Wolves starting lineup have been sporadic. Eastwood played his part in the build-up to the decisive goal when his header from Darron Gibson’s cross bounced off Dean Gerken and fell conveniently for Elliott to nod home.

Later, Eastwood was foiled again when his thunderous drive cannoned to safety off Gerken’s left-hand post. Colchester United twice hit the woodwork and were denied by Wayne Hennessey who produced two fine saves to confirm his status as one of the best goalkeeper’s in the division.

“We didn’t play well and got away with murder at times,” McCarthy said. “There was no spark to our game. Still, it’s three points, another clean sheet and Stephen Elliott scored.”

That was enough to see off a Colchester side who have failed to win from their past seven attempts and are finding their second season in the Coca-Cola Championship more taxing than their first. Yet Geraint Williams, the club’s manager, attributes his side’s travails to changes in personnel and remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. “We played magnificently,” he said. “And although I’m disappointed with the result, I’m delighted with the performance. We didn’t come here to sit back. If we continue to be positive, the results will come.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): W Hennessey – K Foley, J Craddock (sub: M Gray, 88min), N Collins, D Ward – D Gibson, K Henry, D Potter, S Ward – F Eastwood, S Elliott (sub: A Keogh, 69). Substitutes not used: K Stack, M Jarvis, M Little.

Colchester United (4-4-2): D Gerken – D Granville, B Balogh (sub: M Connolly, 34), A Virgo, K Duguid – M Yeates, K Izzet, K Watson (sub: K McLeod, 63), J Jackson – K Lisbie (sub: E Sheringham, 74), C Platt. Substitutes not used: J Guy, M Cousins.

Referee: E Ilderton.