Micky Cook's Colchester United youth team are facing the biggest test of their fledgling careers tonight - an FA Youth Cup tie against mighty Leeds United.

The U's under 18 side travelled to a hotel near Elland Road this morning to prepare for the FA Youth Cup fourth round at Leeds tonight.

It's the first time a U's side has played Leeds at any level since the 4-0 defeat in the League Cup third round in 1977. Current youth team boss Cook was a member of the U's team that day.

However, tonight's match will stir memories of the proudest day in the U's history in 1971 when, as a Fourth Division outfit, they bundled Don Revie's star Leeds side out of the FA Cup at Layer Road.

Cook is convinced his youngsters are capable of causing another shock at the Premiership club's ground tonight.

He said: "It's a wonderful tie and it will be a great experience for everyone associated with the club to be involved. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding this tie and the build-up during the past few days has been great for the players and the management.

"It's a terrific achievement to be playing Leeds United at this stage of the competition. They have one of the finest stadiums in the country and the boys will respond to the occasion. We have prepared very thoroughly for the game and go there with a lot of confidence.

"We have six players in the side with first-team experience and that gives us an edge."

Cook also sees the match as an opportunity to show the U's board how successful the youth development programme is at Layer Road.

U's chairman Peter Heard and first team boss Steve Whitton are both travelling to the game and Cook believes the current crop will do the town proud.

He added: "Everyone in the town should be proud of what these lads have achieved so far.

"If we win then they will become the most successful youth team in the history of Colchester United and that would be a tremendous achievement for a club run on limited resources."

U's side: Walker, Hillier, Taylor, Gyoury, Wignall, Heighway, Okafor, Canham, Pinault, Opara, Metcalfe.

Subs from: Williamson, Hadrava, Blackwell, Chambers, Piscopides, Delaney.

Raring to go - the U's team leave Layer Road today for their FA Youth Cup tie at Leeds.

Picture: CLARE BANKS

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