Layer Road legend Micky Cook's youngsters have been handed a plum FA Youth Cup tie against northern giants Leeds.

Cook has been dusting off his video of Colchester United's historic FA Cup win over Leeds United.

He was a member of the U's squad that pulled off one of the giant-killing feats of all time when they knocked mighty Leeds out of the FA Cup at Layer Road almost 28 years ago.

He said yesterday: "The lads and I have talked about nothing else since they came out of the hat to play Leeds at Elland Road in this season's youth cup fourth round. These are the kind of games that spice up cup football.

"Leeds won the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago and their senior team are currently topping the Premiership. The game is a big, big bonus for the boys and a great challenge for them going into the new millennium.

"I'm sure their eyes will be popping out of their heads the moment they set foot inside Elland Road.

"Little teams like us are not expected to go too far in the competition, but we'll be approaching the whole thing very professionally and my boys will be up for it."

Should the U's emerge triumphant they will then be at home to either Portsmouth or Wimbledon in the fifth round. The U's will play Leeds on Thursday, January 20.

Elland Road here we come - manager Micky Cook and physio Andy Hunt celebrate the news of the cup draw with the U's youth team squad at Layer Road yesterday.

Picture: CLARE BANKS

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