Matty Etherington admits the win was all that mattered for his Colchester side as they beat Salford 2-1 to end a five-game losing streak.
Joe Taylor gave the Us a 42nd-minute lead with a scuffed shot from close range after Cameron McGeehan had helped on Mandela Egbo’s delivery into his path.
And Chay Cooper doubled Colchester’s advantage in the 89th minute when he latched onto fellow substitute John Akinde’s pass and slotted past Alex Cairns, after Salford had conceded possession inside their own half.
Conor McAleny gave Salford hope with a superb strike from the edge of the area in the first minute of stoppage time but Colchester held on for a vital victory.
Etherington said: “The main thing for us was the three points. The win was all that mattered and they managed to get that.
“That’s the pleasing aspect of the evening and that ultimately is all that mattered when we walked into the building.
“I’m emotionally drained right now because at 2-0, you think ‘that’s it done’ and then literally from kick-off, they go and get their goal and you’re back to square one again.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions and I can’t explain it – until you live in it, you’ll never be able to feel it.
“I’m just so pleased for the players that we got the three points.
“We worked some good opportunities and being better in both boxes is probably a common theme over the last few weeks.
“We had chances and we can still do better but I keep saying it, the win is all that mattered.”
Salford were denied on several occasions by Colchester goalkeeper Owen Goodman, who made a crucial save from substitute Matt Smith deep into stoppage time.
Boss Neil Wood said: “The two goals we conceded were both dreadful goals to give away.
“There’s not really an excuse for them really; I’d love to find one but they were really poor goals and that’s the bottom line of it.
“It was a great strike (by McAleny) and he’s got the ability to do that. He had a chance in the first half too and I think we were the team on top for large periods of the first half.
“The thing with that is that you have to take your chances when they’re there and you have to capitalise on your momentum.
“It was disappointing to concede the first goal and it felt like it was their first real chance in the first half.
“We got momentum and were pushing for the equaliser but then we go and concede a really, really poor goal – there’s just no excuse for that goal.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Maresca - Jack You can't elbow players.Nicolas Jackson - Ok boss LOL Haaland the last time Arsenal won the league.. South America owns football he is here …. How good is Cruzeiro? GOAT RECOGNIZES GOAT! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Emi Martinez 'dreaming' of a move to Man UtdAston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer amid the Red Devils' uncertainty regarding Andre Onana's future.The Sun has reported that a move to Old Trafford is Martinez's 'dream' and Ruben Amorim is keen on “captains and leaders” in his squad, and is an admirer of the Argentine World ...
GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth BaleBale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.The 35-year...
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. Howe...
Liverpool have broken their transfer record for the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Friday.ESPN previously reported the deal to be worth a total of £116 million ($156.27 million) -- it includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in add-ons.Wirtz has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, a ...
Al-Ittihad rival Monaco for Pogba signatureAS Monaco face competition for Paul Pogba's signature.The free agent is in talks with Monaco about a playing return, having been suspended since last year due to a failed doping test.Released by Juventus earlier this year, Pogba is now free to resume his playing career and talks with Monaco are underway.However, Fichajes.com says Al-Ittihad, from the Saud...
Man Utd plan to loan Rashford to Inter Milan ahead of next season in shock moveManchester United plan to loan out winger Marcus Rashford this summer as the club continues to look for a buyer.As reported by the Manchester Evening Standard, United are preparing for the prospect of loaning out Rashford for the entirety of next season after the winger fell out with manager Ruben Amorim last season. Th...
Napoli coach Conte: I really didn't think we'd sign McTominayNapoli coach Antonio Conte admits he didn't think Scott McTominay could be signed from Manchester United.McTominay joined Napoli in the final days of the summer market and ended the season a Serie A winner and also named Player of the Year in Italy.Conte told Sky Italia: "I knew McTominay very well , he grew up in the Premier League with...
Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Real Madrid since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2018Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he will always be available to help new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen acclimatise to life at the Bernabeu.England defender Alexander-Arnold recently joined the club for 38m from0Liverpool while Spanish international Huijsen signed from ...
Barcelona superkid Yamal: We will definitely win the Champions LeagueBarcelona superkid Lamine Yamal is confident he will eventually win the Champions League.At 17, Yamal has won every trophy available in the domestic game - with a European title, at club level, still to be won.He told Barca Inside: "At 18 I ask for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the title I am missing (the Champions League) ...
- 1 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 2 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 3 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 6 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 7 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 8 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 9 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 10 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car