John Ward’s dream tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford failed to materialise in the FA Cup third round draw.

Instead, the Colchester United manager will take his team to the Liberty Stadium on the weekend of January 8 and 9 to face Championship high-fliers Swansea City.

There was, however, a big name Premier League draw for Ipswich Town on a day when Blues fans had to swallow the bitter pill of a 4-1 defeat by arch rivals Norwich City.

The prospect of a trip to Stamford Bridge in the New Year will have softened the blow of derby humiliation every so slightly.

But there was no such headline-grabbing tie for the U’s.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher pulled their name out of the draw to face the Swans, dashing Ward’s hopes of a match against one of the Premier League’s biggest names.

However, on reflection, the U’s boss was philosophical about the draw his team had got.

He said: “My first thought was that Swansea would be happier with that draw than we would.

“Had it been at home, we’d have been far happier.

“However, with a little bit of time to think about it, I think they play really good football, which is what we try to do, so I think it will be a good footballing match.

“But it will be a very big test for us.

“I’m pleased that we didn’t draw a side from our own league, but I am sorry for our supporters that it is such a long way for them to go.

“That’s the luck of the draw, I suppose.

See today's Gazette for more on this story and reaction from the U's FA Cup second round win against Swindon Supermarine.