We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the U's thrilling giant-killing against mighty Leeds United.

Then a powerhouse of European football, the Whites were put to the sword as minnows Colchester, of the Fourth Division, stunned Don Revie's men 3-2 at Layer Road.

U's fan - Jill Hay, second from the left, at Layer Road in 1958

It set up a quarter-final at another giant of English football, Everton, on March 6, 1971.

And although Colchester's run came to a juddering halt after losing 5-0, it was a magnificent adventure and one that brought back special memories for Mr and Mrs Hay.

"My father-in-law booked tickets for the game and also for the return flight to Speke Airport, in Liverpool," he said.

Following their club - this Gazette feature shows U's fans getting set to board their flight at Stansted

"It was organised by the Evening Gazette and cost just £9.

"I think similar return flights would be slightly more expensive now!

"I still have the booking confirmation letter, tickets and the match programme.

Match day - tickets from the Everton-Colchester match

"I've also found a Gazette cutting of a photo showing U's fans standing by the plane ready to fly to Liverpool.

"Jill can be seen in the centre next to her father, Ted Parsley.

"He has his arm raised and is hiding me!

One to keep - the front of the Everton programme

"As I recall, the atmosphere on the return journey was not quite the same as it had been following the Leeds match."

Mr Hay, now 80 and living in Stanway, still has crystal-clear memories of that famous Leeds game.

He said: "I'd never attended a match until I met Jill but she'd been watching the U's from a young age, thanks to her father, Ted.

"From that time on, we continued to attend regularly and have 99 match programmes as proof, including one from the great Leeds victory."

My team - Owen Hay with wife Jill, son Jonathan and daughter Rebecca. The photo was taken by Jill's sister, Wendy Moore

* Have you got old photos and memories to share? Email matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk and join our We grew up in Colchester and Tendring Facebook group.

READ MORE:

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• FA Cup giant-killing brought back strong memories for U's super-fan Nick
• Join us for some fun and games as we head back to the start of the millennium