Luke Garbutt scored a 92nd-minute wonder-strike as Salford City overcame a two-goal deficit to beat a persistent Colchester side 4-3.
The visitors got us underway, and from the off, they peppered the Ammies with chances.
Colchester attacker Harry Anderson was denied the opener thanks to a headed goal-line clearance from Cole Stockton.
But Salford’s reprieve would not last long as he put Colchester ahead when another chance fell his way after eight minutes.
Midfielder Arthur Read wrapped his foot around the ball following a shot from a corner. The ball clipped the inside of the post and landed at the feet of Anderson, who made no mistake this time as he rifled the ball into the net from point-blank range.
Salford were persistent for an equaliser. Now on the chase, a ball was sent up long by Matty Young.
Stockton did what he does best, holding up the play. He supplied winger Kadeem Harris with a pass down the left, who then charged towards the goal. Harris took a fierce strike which blasted through the keeper’s extended hand, levelling the contest after 11 minutes.
As both sides grew into the match, it became apparent that not much football would be played on the ground. An array of long balls from end to end, paired with a scrappy midfield, combined for a cagey game of football.
Micah Mbick came close to putting the visitors ahead again when his shot from inside the box was tipped over by Matt Young.
Harris nearly doubled his goal tally for the day, flicking the ball up and attempting a shot on the half volley.
But neither side could break through as we headed into the half-time tied a goal a piece.
As play resumed, Salford were awarded a free kick thanks to Haji Mnoga. Garbutt, as always, took the set piece but his shot from distance rattled off the woodwork.
Salford looked sloppy at the back throughout the game, and after 51 minutes, Ellis Landolo capitalised on slack defending to strike home Colchester’s second.
Things went from bad to worse four minutes later as Salford were punished once more for switching off. It was Read this time who fired a tremendous shot into the top right corner, leaving Young no chance.
But one thing you can never do this season is count Salford City out. Garbutt sent in a deep freekick for the Ammies, which curled to the path of defender Adebola Oluwo, who clawed his side back into the game with a well-timed 59th-minute header.
The fans in the Peninsula began to believe again as they spurred their team on for another. As the momentum swung in favour of the hosts, the game was called to a halt as Dan Udoh was dragged to the ground at the mouth of the goal.
Referee Scott Oldham was left no choice but to point to the spot, awarding Salford a penalty. Fabio Borini stepped up to take.
He stared down Matt Macey before striking the ball low and hard, aiming towards the left-hand corner. Macey dove the right way, but the Italian’s strike was too ferocious as he converted for his first league goal in red and white.
There was a surge in atmosphere as twelve minutes were added on to regular time. Salford were determined to leave with all three points as they hurried down the left flank.
Harris gunned down the wing. He laid a ball at the feet of Borini. The forward nudged it to the edge of the box where Garbutt was standing. With no time to think, the defender lashed a first-time shot towards goal.
🖼️ Our captain. @luke_garbutt. pic.twitter.com/FooLnF8lwx
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) December 13, 2025
Time almost stood for a second before the ball smashed into the top corner. A rejoicing Garbutt ran off in celebration, throwing his shirt into the west stand.
The comeback was complete in M7, but there was still plenty of additional time left to play. Thankfully for the home supporters, Garbutt’s strike was the last turn on what had been an absolute rollercoaster of a football match.
After 16 minutes of additional time, referee Oldham blew his whistle, drawing a close to an action-packed afternoon as Salford moved up to 6th in the league table.
