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

Thurrock Gazette:

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

Thurrock Gazette:

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

Thurrock Gazette:

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

Thurrock Gazette:

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.