James Gibbons scored the only goal as Cambridge deservedly beat Salford 1-0 to move five points clear of their League Two promotion rivals.
Cambridge looked the likelier scorers throughout, while Salford offered very little in attack and were indebted to goalkeeper Matt Young for keeping the deficit to a single goal.
Cambridge Set the Tone
The home side missed a big chance in the ninth minute when a deep Kell Watts cross found Gibbons, who could only fire wide. After Matt Young held a Mamadou Jobe header at the other end, Cambridge again threatened on the half-hour when Young denied Sullay Kaikai at the end of a rapid break.