COLCHESTER United claimed a first win in six league matches after they beat Salford City 2-1, on Friday night.
Goals from Joe Taylor and Chay Cooper sealed victory for Matty Etherington's side at the JobServe Community Stadium, despite Conor McAleny's stoppage-time consolation for the visitors.
Here are the Gazette player ratings, after a much-needed three points for Colchester.
OWEN GOODMAN 8
U’s goalkeeper made some key saves including a vital stop from Matt Smith in stoppage time
MANDELA EGBO 8
Played his part in Taylor’s opener and made some crucial blocks and interventions throughout at right-back
ZACH MITCHELL 8
U’s man of the match Showed plenty of character to produce a mature defensive performance that belied his tender years. Booked
CONNOR HALL 7
Was great to see the Colchester captain back after injury before he was replaced just before the hour. Booked
ELLIS IANDOLO 7
Slotted in seamlessly at left-back in his first league start for four months before going off just before the hour
CAMERON MCGEEHAN 7
Was denied by Cairns in the opening minutes of each half and got into some good goalscoring areas
ARTHUR READ 7
Was denied a goal by Cairns in the first half; kept the ball well in midfield to contribute to his side’s win. Booked
NOAH CHILVERS 7
Kept it simple in the centre of midfield for Colchester and was neat in possession
MATT JAY 7
Performed well in a left-sided role before being replaced by Cooper with 20 minutes to go
JAYDEN FEVRIER 7
Showed flashes of his brilliance and only a fine save by Cairns prevented his curled second-half effort from going in
JOE TAYLOR 7
U's leading scorer added another goal to his collection and worked hard as Colchester’s main attacking focal point. Booked
SUBSTITUTES
TOM DALLISON (for Hall, 58) 7
Slotted in well at the heart of the Colchester defence and played his part in helping them see out the win
AL-AMIN KAZEEM (for Iandolo, 58) 7
Was great to see the youngster back at left-back after injury; produced some enterprising runs down the left
CHAY COOPER (for Jay, 71)
JOHN AKINDE (for Taylor, 71)
WILL GREENIDGE (for Fevrier, 90)
Substitutes (not used): Hopper, Hornby.
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