COLCHESTER United and their fans are celebrating a very special goal-den anniversary.

Tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of the U's iconic FA Cup success against Leeds United.

Incredibly, half a century has passed since Ray Crawford's double inspired victory at a jam-packed Layer Road.

It was a result that sent shockwaves through the sporting world.

Dick Graham’s minnows were languishing in the fourth tier of English football and few gave them hope against an all-conquering Leeds side featuring the likes of Jack Charlton, Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter.

However, the U's performed heroics to win the fifth-round tie 3-2.

The anniversary has brought memories flooding back for those lucky enough to be on the terraces that magical afternoon.

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer us leeds mark graham soccer us leeds john gilchrist

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer u's leeds mark graham soccer u's leeds john gilchrist

Richard Sexton, who lives in St John's, said: "It was a dream seeing Ray bang in those goals and then Dave Simmons' great header made it 3-0.

"It was unbelievable and didn't matter that we were being squashed like sardines, on the terraces.

"The atmosphere was terrific and we held out against one of the greatest-ever club teams in Britain."

Richard Blythe, of Mile End, was also fortunate enough to be there.

"I was 11 and looked at the likes of (Leeds stars) Peter Lorimer and Allan Clarke warming up," he said.

"Then I looked over at the Match of the Day cameras.

"I thought 'this could get embarrassing' but how wrong was I!

"When I got home, my father had hung a bed sheet out of an upstairs window with "Up the U's" sprayed on it."

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer us leeds mark graham soccer us leeds dave simmons challenges for the ball

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer u's leeds mark graham soccer u's leeds dave simmons challenges for the ball

Michael Rouse, from Clacton, said his memories are still vivid. He had been a U’s fan since 1961, when he was nine.

"I was at college, as part of my apprenticeship with Woods of Colchester, and many fellow students were Ipswich Town fans," said Mr Rouse.

"There was a sense of confidence building after a brilliant comeback to earn a replay against Rochdale the evening after the draw was made. We were dominant in the replay and thrashed them 5-0.

"My fellow students taunted me to put my money where my mouth was so I agreed to a number of bets.

"The Monday following the match, there was total disbelief as they paid up.

"Dick Graham was a genius to assemble that team of talented 'old pros'.

"Whatever the club achieves in the future, that game will live forever for all those who had the privilege to be there."

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer us leeds mark graham soccer us leeds dick graham during his sides famous win

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer u's leeds mark graham soccer u's leeds dick graham during his side's famous win

Michael Kelly has lived in London for 40 years but born and bred in Colchester.

He was 17 at the time of the cup match and attended as a St John Ambulance Brigade member.

"I was sitting with my colleagues behind Brian Lewis when he took the free-kick that led to Ray Crawford's opener," he said.

"The Leeds victory is the most memorable in Colchester's history.

"There was so much anticipation the week before and the diehard fans thought home advantage at a cramped and packed Layer Road might prove decisive, even if it was still a longshot.

"Optimism was increased when it was announced Billy Bremner wasn't playing.

"I attended every match during the cup run and still have all the programmes, plus an unused quarter-final ticket, as treasured souvenirs.

"Where have the 50 years gone?"

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer us leeds mark graham soccer us leeds ray crawford scores

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer u's leeds mark graham soccer u's leeds ray crawford scores

Stuart Yearling, Wivenhoe, had a great view of the U's celebrations.

"I was in the corner of the ground where Dave Simmons celebrated," he said.

"Mum and dad put me down the front while they stood at the back of the stand."

Adam Chester, of Braintree, added: "My dad was there with his brothers and still remembers it like it was yesterday.

"The police officer asked them to move forward, so they all stomped and bent their legs to make it look like they had moved.

"The officer replied with a thank you.

"I still have paper articles in a folder."

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer us leeds us leeds united

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer u's leeds u's leeds united

Leeds started as red-hot favourites and while their fans were disappointed by the result, they respected Colchester's achievement.

Dickie Bird, of Wivenhoe, said: "At the time I was in the RAF, living in Lincoln.

"My wife and I came home and stayed at my in-laws house, for the weekend.

"I was, and still am, a Leeds fan and went to Layer Road cheering for Don Revie's side.

"However, much to my family's amusement, I went back to my in-laws shouting for Colchester.

"I've got happy memories of the underdogs being winners. It's what the competition is all about."

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer us leeds soccer us leeds united 2

JW 09 Feb 2021 soccer u's leeds soccer u's leeds united 2

Gerry Watson, of Dovercourt, moved to Colchester from Yorkshire in May 1969.

"As a 16-year-old lad from Leeds, I'd supported my home-city club since the 1965 FA Cup final," he said.

"I ribbed my mates at school when we were drawn against Colchester, saying they had no chance. That was a mistake!

"Me and my mates managed to get tickets but I went to stand with the Leeds fans, while they were in the Layer Road end.

"After the match, we met outside the ground and, boy, did I get the mickey taken out of me!

"The worst thing was I used to deliver the Gazette and one of my drops was at (Colchester goalkeeper) Graham Smith's house.

Up for the cup - John Gilchrist in action for Colchester United in their famous 1971 FA Cup win over Leeds United

Up for the cup - John Gilchrist in action for Colchester United in their famous 1971 FA Cup win over Leeds United

"He get some scruffy newspapers for a while after that!

"The crowd that day was over 16,000.

"It was like sardines in a can and it's still a record.

"Not long after, my mum went to work at Layer Road in the commercial department so I used get complementary tickets but I've always been a Leeds fan."

Ray Crawford scores for Colchester United in their FA Cup win over Leeds United, in 1971

Ray Crawford scores for Colchester United in their FA Cup win over Leeds United, in 1971

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Community answers

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Colchester United's famous FA Cup win against Leeds United

"Were you on the terraces or have you been told stories by friends and relatives? We'd love to celebrate the anniversary by hearing what our readers have to say."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Roger Herbert

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I was not allowed by my parents to go to the game,so instead I went to my local ground North Road Brightlingsea.One or two people were picking up score updates on transistors .I could not believe the score but on the final whistle at that game I ran home & switched the TV on to see the truth before my eyes as Dick & Ray were being interviewed "live".I was as proud as anyone who was at that game & so my love of the U's has not finished to this day.Little did I know that I would join the Hospital Radio team when the main commentator that day Godfrey Thomas retired twelve years ago

From Shane challis

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I was there that day as an excited 13 year old . I went to the game with my father and David king , a mate from the village we lived in , great tey . Layer rd and all Rds around were packed with supporters going to the ground . It was full when we got inside . We were on the side of the ground the directors box and I believe seats were . I remember all the youngsters like myself and David being allowed to go right to the front of the crowd . Memory fails me a bit but I seem to remember we actually sat over the wall on the touch line for some of the game . Or did I just wish that ? You couldn’t move in the ground it was rammed . The atmosphere was eclectic . The game was absolutely brilliant . To go 3 up against the mighty Leeds , unbelievable. I can remember when we got home my mum saying how she’d seen the scores flash up on the tv and couldn’t believe it either . Being young Colchester boys it was our cup finale. I also remember a disco in the village hall in tey that night and we all sat watching the highlight on a portable tv someone had bought along . I carried on going to layer rd into my older teens .

From Shane challis

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I was there that day as an excited 13 year old . I went to the game with my father and David king , a mate from the village we lived in , great tey . Layer rd and all Rds around were packed with supporters going to the ground . It was full when we got inside . We were on the side of the ground the directors box and I believe seats were . I remember all the youngsters like myself and David being allowed to go right to the front of the crowd . Memory fails me a bit but I seem to remember we actually sat over the wall on the touch line for some of the game . Or did I just wish that ? You couldn’t move in the ground it was rammed . The atmosphere was eclectic . The game was absolutely brilliant . To go 3 up against the mighty Leeds , unbelievable. I can remember when we got home my mum saying how she’d seen the scores flash up on the tv and couldn’t believe it either . Being young Colchester boys it was our cup finale. I also remember a disco in the village hall in tey that night and we all sat watching the highlight on a portable tv someone had bought along . I carried on going to layer rd into my older teens .

From John Zukowski

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:On the day of the match I had a seat in the main stand about five rows up (for my first and last time). The match seemed go a blur it I remember all the goals. When the ref blue the final whistle I ran onto the pitch and was lucky enough to shake hands with Ray Crawford though I doubt he will remember that! My wife and I went to see the Everton match but Leeds was the best match ever!!

From Andrew Mann

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:Although I was young at the time I knew there was much excitement about this tie leading up to it. I remember even making a wooden stool to take with me to stand on the terraces (I still wasn't able to see much). I had been a boyhood Leeds fan up until that season but my change in allegiance was confirmed on that memorable day. People crammed in like sardines on the open end terraces where I was standing with my Dad. People went wild when we scored twice at our end; it wasn't until Match of the Day that I could get a look at the goals! But the one I do remember seeing was the long ball upfield which Dave Simmons ran onto and nodded into the net having beaten keeper Sprake to the ball. I don't remember seeing the Leeds goals either but could tell what was happening thanks to the crowd reaction. And then of course the wild scenes at the end of the game. I knew I had witnessed footballing history and can still proudly say "I was there"!

From John Foskew

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I now live in Western Australia where even soccer fans have rarely heard of Col. U. until I relate the story of that match. 1-0 well we've given them something to think about! :- 2-0 Hey, we could just win this! :- 3-0 Easy, Easy, Easy! 3-1 oh oh! 3-2 no, what's the time ? I can't watch this, wheeeep no need to ask if that was the final whistle - we were all ecstatic like never before or since. No Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea etc supporter can ever feel like those of us who had (and still) support our teams through times. Their triumphs are almost expected do they really appreciate success as we did on that magic day.

From Colin Goater

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:Yes, I was there standing behind the Layer Road end, the end where Dave Simmons nodded in the third goal. Have the green matchday programme to prove it. What a fantastic atmosphere it was then. The team were like warriors fighting for everything. How things have changed since then.

From MICHAEL KELLY

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I HAVE LIVED IN LONDON FOR 40 YEARS BUT WAS BORN,RAISED AND EDUCATED IN COLCHESTER. I WAS 17 YEARS OLD AND ATTENDED THIS MATCH AS A ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE MEMBER. I WAS SEATED WITH MY COLLEAGUES BEHIND BRIAN LEWIS WHEN HE TOOK THE FREE KICK RESULTING IN RAY CRAWFORD'S OPENING GOAL.(ALAS I DON'T HAVE A PHOTO) I ATTENDED ALL THE MATCHES IN THE CUP RUN INCLUDING THE FIRST POSTPONED MATCH AT BARNET AND THE LATE EQUALISER AT SPOTLANDS. THE LEEDS VICTORY IS THE U'S MOST MEMORABLE IN THEIR HISTORY. THE ANTICIPATION IN THE WEEK BEFORE WAS SUCH THE DIEHARD FANS THOUGHT HOME ADVANTAGE AT A CRAMPED AND PACKED LAYER ROAD MIGHT PROVE DECISIVE EVEN IF ON PAPER IT WAS STILL A LONGSHOT! OPTIMISM WAS INCREASED WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED BILLY BREMNER WASN'T PLAYING.I HAVE ALL THE PROGRAMMES FROM THIS 1970/71 CUP RUN AND ALSO AN UNUSED QUARTER FINAL TICKET AS TREASURED SOUVENIRS. WHERE HAVE THE 50 YEARS GONE. I AM NOW RETIRED AND STILL FOLLOWING THE U'S EACH WEEK ON BBC RADIO ESSEX.

From Richard sexton

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I was at the kop end and it was like a dream seeing Ray Crawford bang in two goals Then Dave Simmons sent us even more into unbelief with his great header over sprake 3--0 it did not matter we were all sqashed like sardines .terrific aptmosphere and we held out against one of the greatest ever club teams in Britain

From Michael Rouse

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:As a U's Fan since 1961 (9 yrs.old), my memories of the day are still vivid. I was a student at college as part of my apprenticeship with Woods of Colchester and many of my fellow students were Ipswich fans. There was a real sense of confidence building after a brilliant comeback to earn a replay against Rochdale the evening after the draw was made. The team were totally dominant and thrashed them 5 - 0. My fellow students taunted me to put my money where my mouth was for the big match so I agreed to a number of bets with them as long as they gave me the draw. The Monday following the match , there was total disbelief from my colleagues as they paid up. Dick Graham was a genius to assemble that team of talented 'old pros' and it led to several of my colleagues to follow the U's as their 2nd team. Whatever the club achieves in the future, that game will live forever for all those had the privilege to be there.

From gerry watson

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:as a 16 year old lad from leeds, we had moved to colchester in may 1969,i had supported leeds since the 1965 cup final ,we lost that as well,i ribbed my my mates at school when we were drawn against colchester saying they had no chance,that was my first mistake,me and my mates managed to get tickets for the match,when we the day of the match arrived i went to stand with the leeds fans they went in the layer road end,after the match ended we met up outside the ground did i get the mick taken out of me ,the worst thing was i used to deliver the evening gazette newspaper and one of my drops was graham smith the colchester goal keeper,by did he get some scruffy newspapers for a while after that ,the crowd that day was over 16000 ,it was like sardines in a can and its still their record crowd,not long after that my mum went to work at layer road in the commercial department so i used get complementery tickets but i have always been a leeds fan.

From Stuart Yearling

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:

Do you have any photos to share:

Gazette: Col I versus Leeds fa cupCol I versus Leeds fa cup

From Stuart Yearling

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I was in the corner Dave Simmons celebrated with the fans my mum and dad put me in the corner down the front while they stood at the back of the stand

Do you have any photos to share:

Gazette: Col u beat Leeds in fa cup matchCol u beat Leeds in fa cup match

From Richard Blythe

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:I was 11 and looked at the likes of Peter Lorimer and Allan Clarke warming up. Then I looked over at the Match of the Day cameras. I thought, this could get embarrassing. How wrong I was. When I got home, my Father had hung a bed sheet out of an upstairs window with "Up the U's" sprayed on it.

From Dickie Bird

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:At the time I was in the RAF, living in Lincoln. My wife and I came home and stayed at my in laws house, for the weekend. Was and still am a Leeds fan, went to Layer Road cheering for Leeds, came back to my in laws, much to my family amusement, shouting for Colchester. Happy memories of the underdog becoming winners. What the FA Cup is all about.

From adam chester

Tells us your story and what the big day means to you:My Dad was there with his brother’s, he still remembers it like yesterday. Police officer asked for them to move forward, so they all stomped and bent there legs to look like they had moved. Officer replied with a thank you. Still have paper articles in a folder.