Colchester United skipper David Fox said their outstanding performance in beating Preston North End to stay up on the final day of the season was testament to their players’ desire and determination.

George Moncur’s goal – scored with eight minutes remaining – helped the U’s win 1-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and avoid relegation to League Two.

Tony Humes’ side had been entrenched in the bottom four since February and the odds were stacked against them yesterday.

But their win over Preston, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, helped them beat the drop at the expense of Notts County, Crawley Town and Leyton Orient.

Fox said: “I’m a realist and I knew it would be tough but we were in with a chance.

“The lads pulled off another performance when it really mattered, like against Swindon but this time we got the result.

“The togetherness in the group, the will and desire amongst the boys despite everything that was going on to put in performances like we’ve done when it really happened is a huge testament to every one of the lads in the dressing room."

For more on this story and six pages of pictures, analysis and reaction to the U's win over Preston, see Monday's Daily Gazette.