Colchester United midfielder Alex Gilbey said he let his feet do the talking following his wonder goal at Deepdale.

The U’s teenager marked his 50th league appearance for the U’s with a magnificent long-range strike, though it could not prevent them from falling to a 4-2 defeat at Preston North End.

It was the first time that Gilbey has hit the net in the current campaign and the second goal of his professional career, following his goal for Colchester against Wolves at Molineux last season.

And the 19-year-old, who was in outstanding form at Deepdale, is hoping it could be the first of many for him this season.

Gilbey said: “I’ve been talking about goals a lot lately and I think I’ve finally backed it up, so hopefully there’ll be a few more to come this season.

“I want to play at those kinds of places every week, especially as I only seem to score at the big grounds!

“I’m still only a young lad and this is what I want to work towards.

“I really enjoyed myself out there and I always love playing, especially at those kinds of unbelievable stadiums.

“It was pleasing to also play a part in our first goal, too.

“I wish it was my goal instead of Rhys scoring but fair play to him - you can tell he’s a goalscorer.”

For five pages of coverage of the U's game with Preston North End, including interviews with Tony Humes and Alex Gilbey along with a match report, pictures and analysis from the match at Deepdale, see Monday's Daily Gazette.