Goals in each half from Tommy Backwell and Jordan Thomas secured a 2-1 home victory for Cheltenham over Salford.

Bristol City loan midfielder Backwell struck on his first EFL start to open the scoring in the 31st minute.

Thomas’ first Whaddon Road goal 10 minutes from the end condemned Salford to their second successive defeat since a run of six wins in a row for Karl Robinson’s side.

Both teams had chances to score early on, with Ryan Watson off target from a good position for Salford after Rosaire Longelo’s cross, before Backwell’s header from Arkell Jude-Boyd’s cross was parried by Matthew Young.

The deadlock was broken when Ethon Archer’s shot was parried by Young and Backwell followed up from close range.

Salford nearly responded immediately, with Joe Day blocking well from Conor McAleny, who was through on goal.

Cheltenham made sure of the points when Tom Bradbury’s low cross from the left was converted at the far post by winger Thomas.

Curtis Tilt’s header was fumbled over the line by Day in the dying seconds as Salford pulled one back, but Cheltenham had done enough to end a run of three league games without a win