COLCHESTER United are mourning the death of former winger Russell Blake, who was a member of the U’s side that held Arsenal in front of a crowd of 16,000 at Layer Road.

Blake, who has died at the age of 89, made more than 50 appearances for the U's in the late 1950s and played in two of their most famous FA Cup ties.

The Colchester-born player featured against Arsenal in home and away ties in the FA Cup fourth round, in the 1958-1959 season.

(Image: NEWSQUEST)

Benny Fenton's U's team, then playing their football in the Third Division South, drew 2-2 with the Gunners at Layer Road on January 24, 1959.

Colchester lost the replay 4-0, watched by a crowd of 62,686 at Highbury.

Blake played in both matches and the money made from these two cup-ties helped pay for the U's first floodlights at Layer Road.

Colchester’s original fourth-round tie against Arsenal was also famous because it was the first time a police dog was deployed at Layer Road.

Blake had played for Colchester junior side Dedham Old Boys and having been an amateur for the U’s A side, made his first-team debut for Colchester in a 6-0 win over Leyton Orient in September 1955, as deputy for Peter Wright.

Blake featured for Colchester’s first team over a period spanning six seasons between 1955 and 1961 before playing for the likes of Chelmsford and Sudbury Town.

His funeral took place in Colchester, on August 27.

He is survived by his wife, Rita and children Dean, Belinda and Amanda.