COLCHESTER United ran out 1-0 winners over Salford City, thanks to Harry Pell's late, late header.

The midfielder nodded in from close range to give the U's all three points following a hard-fought contest, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The win leaves Colchester a point off the play-off places in League Two, ahead of their trip to play Scunthorpe United this weekend.

The Colchester Gazette's U's writer Jonathan Waldron gives his verdict on Colchester's performance, following their vital win.

DEAN GERKEN 7

Denied Towell in the second half and looked calm and assured throughout

RYAN JACKSON 6

U’s right-back put in a tidy performance before going off midway through the second half

TOM EASTMAN 7

Enjoyed a good battle with Jervis; helped keep Salford’s attack quiet

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s skipper grew in stature as the game progressed and made some important blocks

COHEN BRAMALL 7

Provided the cross that led to Pell’s winner and showed impressive athleticism

HARRY PELL 8

Nodded in Colchester’s dramatic late winner and helped drive the U’s on

BRANDON COMLEY 7

Kept things ticking over nicely in the U’s midfield and rarely lost possession. Booked

COURTNEY SENIOR 8

U’s man of the match. Was a constant thorn in Salford’s side with his skill and trickery

KWAME POKU 6

Started the game brightly before being withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining

FRANK NOUBLE 8

Provided the vital assist for Pell’s winner and was effective on the left flank again

LUKE NORRIS 7

Was unlucky to see a shot fly wide of the far post shortly before being replaced

SUBSTITUTES

TOM LAPSLIE (for Jackson, 65) 7

Performed competently in the right-back role after replacing Jackson

LUKE GAMBIN (for Poku, 70)

THEO ROBINSON (for Norris, 81)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Clampin, Stevenson, Ross.