KARL Duguid has special memories of Deepdale, the venue for Colchester United’s opening day clash this Saturday.

KARL Duguid has special memories of Deepdale, the venue for Colchester United’s opening day clash this Saturday.

Former skipper Duguid, who rejoined the U’s on a one-year deal last month, is hoping to be named in John Ward’s squad for the first League One test of the new season against hosts Preston North End, despite a lack of game-time on the pitch in pre-season.

Duguid has made a few appearances as a substitute, including the recent games against Ipswich and Watford, and will be looking to establish himself in the team over the coming weeks.

But just over 11 years ago, a more youthful Duguid, then a permanent fixture in the Colchester side under manager Steve Whitton, masterminded a dramatic 3-2 win over Preston in a midweek fixture at Deepdale (March 7, 2000).

It was a remarkable result, not just because Duguid bagged a last gasp winner, but because the Lilywhites were flying high and destined to win the Division Two (equivalent to current League One) title that season.

“That was a great game. I remember scoring the winner with a left-footed volley,” recalled Duguid last night.

“It was a big result, because it was a giant step towards us getting enough points to guarantee our safety. They were the days when we were always battling to stay in that division.”

Duguid’s superb winner, after a Joe Keith header and a sensational solo goal from Lomana Lua Lua had put the U’s 2-0 up, only for Preston substitute Brett Angell to equalise with two close-range goals, was one of the biggest shocks of the 1999-2000 campaign in the third tier.

The U’s went on to finish 18th in the table, with 52 points, 39 points behind champions Preston.

Back to the present and Duguid is pushing for a place in the U’s squad this Saturday.

“I feel I’m getting there. I know I face a fight to get into the team, and I haven’t had as much game-time as the other lads,” explained Duguid.

“But I hope to get into the squad and then build from there.”

The U’s have established themselves in League One over the last three seasons, after suffering relegation from the Championship in 2008,

And now it’s up to Preston to also readjust to life in League One, following relegation from the Championship last term.