Salford end losing streak as Cole Stockton scores late winner at Colchester

Salford boosted their League Two play-off hopes and dented Colchester’s in the process with a 1-0 win at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Substitute Cole Stockton converted Kelly N’Mai’s delivery from two yards in the 78th minute to secure the Ammies victory and halt a five-game losing run in all competitions.

Salford went close early on when Josh Austerfield’s low strike flew straight at Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey while the visitors also had a penalty shout turned down when Austerfield fell under Fin Back’s challenge in the area.

Colchester’s first meaningful attempt on goal arrived on the half hour when Teddy Bishop’s 25-yard strike flew just wide.

But Macey made a smart stop down to his right to deny N’Mai at his near post, following Austerfield’s flick on from Zach Awe’s long throw.

Ben Woodburn curled a shot over after half-time for Salford while at the other end, Ammies keeper Matt Young made a brilliant double save to deny Bishop and then Kyreece Lisbie in quick succession, before Stockton struck the winner.