BARNET hitman Sean Devine is full of confidence for the Third Division play-off clash with Colchester at Underhill after being given a boost from his hero Ian Wright. Devine, who has been watched by a host of top clubs this season, met the England striker at the recent PFA awards, and Wright gave him plenty of words of encouragement for the future. Striker Devine, 25, Barnet's 18-goal top scorer, said: "I went up to him and told him how much I admired him. We've both got the same background, we were both in non-league football and I'll be happy if I can achieve half of what he has. Ian was fantastic. He told me that he'd seen some of my goals on the telly and said ‘you'll get the break you deserve.' "I couldn't believe it when Ian mentioned our chat in his newspaper column. I faxed him but I didn't get a reply. I'm not surprised because he's had a lot on but maybe if he reads this I'll get a fax back!" Opponents Colchester know what it's like to lose out in the play-offs. Last season they went down 3-2 on aggregate to Plymouth, who went on to beat Darlington in the Final, and veteran striker Tony Adcock believes that disappointment will have them even more fired-up. "We lost it through inexperience. Most of the side that played in those games are still here and they'll be determined to make sure it doesn't happen again. Adcock, 35, who describes himself as Colchester's "senior pro," began his career with the U's way back in 1981, before returning, via several clubs, in 1995. One of the stops along the way was Peterborough where Micky Halsall and Ken Charlery, now Barnet assistant manager and player respectively, were team-mates. "Knowing them they wouldn't want me to play. Yes, they know what I can do but equally I know what Ken does and how to get to him. I've picked up a slight knock but touch wood I'll be ready. It's a shame we can't meet in the Final. Colchester will be without skipper Richard Wilkins who has a groin injury.

SCARBOROUGH v TORQUAY   SCARBOROUGH player-coach Gary Bennett is desperate to win the Division Three play-offs and put an end to his Wembley curse. Bennett has suffered heartbreak three times with Sunderland - losing an FA Cup final to Liverpool, a League Cup final to Norwich and a play-off Final to Swindon. But the 36-year-old defender believes Scarborough can overcome Torquay in Sunday's play-off semi-final first leg and reach Wembley. He said: It would be a tremendous achievement to take a small club like Scarborough to Wembley and it would be fantastic for me to go there again. I'm still as hungry as ever for success. Meanwhile, Torquay boss Kevin Hodges has told his players to forget their promotion heartbreak and concentrate on winning the play-offs. Torquay lost 2-1 at Leyton Orient on the final day of the season as Lincoln City pipped them to the third and final automatic place. They must now lift themselves for the trip to Scarborough and head coach Hodges stressed: We have to put the Orient game to the back of our minds. We were disappointed and obviously deflated but now everyone is looking forward to another chance of going up.'' Both sides should be at full strength for Sunday's match with Paul Heckingbottom and Jason Rockett both likely to be available for Scarborough, and top scorer Rodney Jack returning for Torquay after missing the last three games with a calf strain.

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