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.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
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