SAMMIE Szmodics says Colchester United’s remarkable final-day triumph over Preston North End ranks as one of his most memorable games for the club.

Szmodics came on as a second-half substitute in the dramatic 1-0 win at the JobServe Community Stadium in May 2015, which helped the U’s retain their League One place against all the odds thanks to George Moncur’s second-half winner.

Reflecting on his long spell at Colchester after leaving to join Bristol City on a three-year deal, Szmodics told the Gazette: “I think the main game that stands out for me is the Preston one when Moncs scored the winner on the final day to keep us up.

“I came on as a sub that day for the final ten minutes or so and it was an amazing feeling at the end.

“The last game of last season at Lincoln stands out too – playing for your boyhood team, winning 3-0 at the champions and scoring twice but missing out on the play-offs by a point.

“No-one had expected us to get into the play-offs and we were so close.”

Szmodics played more than 150 times for Colchester, scoring 38 goals.

The 23-year-old made his senior debut for the U’s - ironically at Bristol City – back in September, 2013 – having risen through the academy ranks at the club.

Szmodics has been linked with a number of clubs over the last 18 months but insists he has always been focused on performing well for the U’s.

“There had been a bit of speculation about my future not only this summer but last year, too but I’ve always tried to just concentrate on my game,” he said.

“There was speculation the year before last but I said I wanted to give it one more year and I’m glad I did, because I think I had an even better year than the one before.

“I think I’ve grown up as a player this season and I’ve been able to create and score so many goals.

“I’ve not let things affect me – we were going for the play-offs and that was the main focus for me.”