Alex Wynter knows exactly what it is like to experience final-day elation with Colchester United.

The 23-year-old was on the Weston Homes Community Stadium pitch when the U’s pulled off a great escape in their last match of the 2014-15 season, defying the odds to beat promotion-chasing Preston North End.

Colchester’s reward for their victory that dramatic afternoon was to retain their League One place for another campaign.

The main victory objective will be the same for John McGreal’s tomorrow but the prize will be different, with the possibility of clinching a League Two play-off place their target.

Wynter said: “With the Preston game we were fighting to stay up, then last year we were relegated so there’s a nice feeling going around the place now going into a game where we know if we win, we may get into the play-offs.

“For the boys that are still here from that day against Preston, it’s an added motive to go and do the business tomorrow to put ourselves in a position where we want to be playing and do well in the play-offs.

“There will be distractions in the crowd and we’ll know by their momentum whether we’re in the play-offs or not but like every game, we just need to stay focused on what we’re doing.

“I was on the bench for the Preston game and came on late on but we knew from the boys behind us who weren’t in the squad that were checking their texts and seeing the scores.

“In the week leading up to the Preston game, there was a lot of shape work and drills and there was a long build-up.

“But this week has been more relaxed and we know that if we get the win, that’s all we can do.

“We’ve had a lot thrown at us and the group as a whole have reacted brilliantly.

“If we could top it all by getting into the play-offs, it would be the cherry on the top.”

Wynter made his first Colchester start for nearly two-and-a-half months in their 3-1 win at Leyton Orient, last weekend.

The former Crystal Palace youngster has experienced something of a frustrating season with his opportunities restricted and the defender has admitted he has had to bide his time.

“It hasn’t been a great season for me personally but we’re still around the play-offs,” added Wynter, “I’ve been involved all season, mainly on the bench which is not where I want to be but the boys have been doing brilliantly, so I can’t complain and I’ve just kept myself ready for the chances I might get.

“I’ve had to be ready for when my chance comes.

“It’s hard to get momentum when you’re in and out of the team but I felt I did well against Orient and hopefully if selected tomorrow, I can do well again.

“I was disappointed when I wasn’t in the team but it’s part and parcel of the job.

“It won’t be the last time it happens in my career and I have to stay focused and look after myself.”

It has been a special time for Wynter, who became a dad for the first time last month when his partner gave birth to his son, Gabriel.

He added: “It’s not just me I’m playing for now – it’s for him and his future so it’s the biggest blessing and it’s been a great month.

“Hopefully tomorrow it’ll be a great five weeks.

“I’ve been sleeping but it does wake me up with his crying a little bit - I know what to expect!”