Colchester United hero George Moncur described his side’s last-day survival as “unreal”.

The U’s managed an incredible 1-0 victory against Preston to clamber out of the relegation zone and secure another season of League One football.

Moncur scored their precious winner eight minutes from time but for a while, with the match goal-less and other results going again them, the club were heading down.

“It’s unreal,” said a euphoric Moncur.

“There’s nothing better than this feeling.

“We made it hard for ourselves but justice was done in the end, because we didn’t deserve to go down.

“It’s a feeling a relief, celebration and just every other emotion at the moment.

“Both teams were a bit edgy in the first half.

“There wasn’t much happening, but when the game opened up a bit we started getting more chances and thankfully I scored our goal.

“Chris (Porter) played the ball back to me, on my right foot, and I still had a bit to do.

“But I kept my eye on it and managed to slot it into the corner.

“To get to the next level, I need to add more goals to my game.

“I know I’m decent on the ball, but it’s about timing my runs, arriving at the right time and trying to get my name on the score-sheet more often.

“After the goal we really had to concentrate, but when you hear people signing you kind of know you’re safe.

“We just had to keep our heads switched on and see the game out.”

Moncur, who finished the campaign with nine goals, was on loan at Colchester earlier in the season before joining on a permanent basis in November.

Afterwards he had high praise for Tony Humes - the man who brought him to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

“The manager has come in and done a great job,” said the 21-year-old.

“I love him and all the boys are right behind him.”

For four pages of U's coverage, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.