Matt Smith’s 22nd goal of the season was not enough for Salford as Colchester rescued a late point in a 1-1 draw.

The travelling U’s, who have enjoyed an upturn in form since Danny Cowley’s appointment in early January, started the brighter.

Cameron McGeehan was denied by Alex Cairns, Riley Harbottle headed over from close range and Tom Hopper failed to convert an open goal from an acute angle.

Their wastefulness in the final third was punished by the Ammies, with Smith benefitting from good work by Callum Morton to tap in before the interval.

The imperious striker, who becomes Sky Bet League Two’s joint-top scorer alongside Notts County’s Macauley Langstaff, thought he doubled his account after the restart.

However, Smith was adjudged to have strayed into an offside position when he nodded home an Elliot Watt free-kick.

Spurred on by the disallowed goal, Colchester fought in pursuit of a leveller and they were rewarded when substitute Bradley Ihionvien struck with 15 minutes remaining.

Cowley’s outfit came close to completing a shock turnaround late on, but Cairns thwarted Ihionvien and Declan John blocked on the line.