Ex-U's boss Dick Graham has urged Colchester United's youth team to recapture the spirit of 1971 against mighty Leeds United tonight.

The former U's boss, who masterminded the famous 3-2 FA Cup defeat of Don Revie's Leeds side, is convinced they can recreate history at Layer Road.

Micky Cook's young U's battled bravely to earn a 0-0 draw at Elland Road last Thursday in the FA Youth Cup and tonight's replay gives them the chance to progress into the fifth round for the first time in the club's history.

And Graham, who will be presented to the two teams before tonight's 7pm kick-off, is confident the U's will cause another famous cup upset.

He told the Gazette: "The most important thing is to have the belief they can win. We were playing one of the most feared teams in Europe when Leeds came to Layer Road and they were 3-0 down at one stage.

"We were the underdogs and everyone had written us off. Some even said it wasn't worth us turning up for the match. If the U's win, it's one moment in the players' lives they will never forget and I will be willing them on in the stands to win the game.

"The Leeds team all those years ago didn't fancy the pitch at Colchester one little bit and I think it will be the same again tonight.

"The Leeds players are used to playing on the top surfaces at places like Elland Road, but they've got a bit of a shock in store for them.

"The boys did brilliantly to get a draw up at Leeds. To not concede a goal at a ground like that is a fantastic achievement and they should draw strength from it.

"It's a tribute to Micky Cook and his team that he has such an outstanding set up and I'm sure tonight can be yet another memorable occasion for them."

Cook, who was sub when the U's won their epic tie, has made just one change to the side which fought so gallantly for a draw up in Leeds.

Paul Delaney, who missed out at Elland Road, comes in for David Hadrava after impressing for the reserves against Northampton on Tuesday.

The U's youth chief, who made more than 570 appearances in his 20-year playing career at the club, said: "There is a great cup tradition at Colchester United and we want to be a part of that.

"We got a brilliant result up at Leeds last Thursday but that will count for very little tonight. The boys will have a large crowd behind them and hopefully that will spur the team on to get a result.

"The tie has generated a lot of interest in the town and, with the first team doing so well at the moment, it is a great boost for the club.

"I firmly believe we can finish the job tonight and I hope we can again show our tremendous supporters the future of the club is in good hands."

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