TODAY is the 14th anniversary of Colchester United's final-ever game at Layer Road.

The U's left their beloved stadium on April 26, 2008, after playing Stoke City in their last-ever match at the venue.

Geraint Williams' side, already League One-bound after being relegated from the Championship were beaten 1-0 by the Potters.

Richard Cresswell's 45th-minute goal proved the winner in front of 6,300 fans, after he converted Liam Lawrence's cross from close range.

Gazette:

The U's rarely threatened Stoke goalkeeper Carlo Nash's goal, with Dean Hammond coming closest with a long-range effort in what was a cagey encounter.

Nevertheless, Layer Road was given a bumper send off by the club, with dancing girls, fireworks and plenty of nostalgia the order of the day.

Gazette:

Colchester's then chief executive Marie Partner told the Gazette after the game: "It was a carnival atmosphere and the weather held out for us, which was important.

"We wanted to make sure that everyone remembered where we have come from and take those good spirits into the new ground."

Layer Road was locked up for the last time in July 2008, after 98 years in use.

Gazette:

The stadium was eventually flattened in 2012 and new homes now stand on the site.

The ground was originally used by Colchester Town Football Club, but was home to Colchester United for 71 years.