Kylian Kouassi scored the winner as Salford won 2-1 at Colchester to register back-to-back League Two victories.
Salford’s Ben Woodburn and Tyrese Fornah went close in the first half, while Colchester’s best opportunity before half-time came when Ellis Iandolo played a one-two with Lyle Taylor but fired into the side netting.
Woodburn was denied by Matt Macey in first-half stoppage time and Salford took a 61st-minute lead when Kelly N’Mai finished superbly first time from Kouassi’s header, after Luke Garbutt’s long free-kick into the Colchester box.
But Colchester equalised nine minutes later through substitute Harry Anderson, who lashed in from close range after initially being denied by goalkeeper Jamie Jones, following Taylor’s back-heel in the six-yard box.
However, Salford scored their winner in the 76th minute when Kouassi fired home a low, deflected effort after Fornah had done well to pick him out in the penalty area.