THIRTY years ago, Scott Barrett was involved in one of the most iconic moments in Colchester United's history.

On September 28, 1991, the popular goalkeeper scored a memorable - and vital - goal to establish himself in U's folklore.

In a crunch top-of-the table clash at Adams Park during Colchester’s Conference 1991-92 promotion season, Barrett’s long punt skidded off the greasy surface and sailed into the net in injury-time to give the U’s a priceless 2-1 victory over promotion rivals, Wycombe Wanderers.

Barrett’s 80-yard punt down the pitch – in the 90th minute - at a windy and rain-swept Adams Park took a wicked bounce and sailed over the head of Wycombe keeper Paul Hyde.

It was an astonishing goal and one that was to prove crucial for Roy McDonough's side.

Had the match finished as a draw, Wycombe would have been promoted.

Colchester went on to win the title on goal difference, with the three points won in that game against the Chairboys proving the difference.

The U's secured promotion back into the Football League when they topped the table on goal difference ahead of Wycombe.

Both sides registering a joint new points record, in the days when only the champions were promoted.

Although his stint at Layer Road was a relatively brief one, Barrett certainly packed a lot into his time with the club.

He was also the U's saviour in the FA Trophy.

With Colchester heading for a shock defeat at Layer Road against Kingstonian, in the dying seconds Barrett went up for a corner at the Layer Road end and in the melee helped the ball towards the goal where it was cheerfully booted into the net for an unjustified equaliser.

Colchester won the replay, and made it all the way to Wembley where they beat Witton Albion 3-1 in the final on Sunday, May 10, 1992, in front of a crowd of more than 32,000.

It was the first of three Wembley appearances by Colchester in seven years; the others were the Auto Windscreens Shield final against Carlisle (lost on penalties) on Sunday April 20, 1997 and the Nationwide Football League division two play-off victory against Torquay on Friday evening, May 22 1998.

Barrett played nearly 100 times during his time at Colchester, having initially joined them on loan from Stoke City in 1990 after being signed by Mick Mills.

He was an ever-present during Colchester's two seasons in non-league