Colchester United supporters queued in freezing temperatures to get their hands on precious cup tickets yesterday.

U's fans queuing for tickets for their cup clash Picture: STEVE BRADING

Scores of U's fans lined-up outside the Layer Road stadium in a bid to secure tickets for the FA Cup fourth round replay with Coventry next Tuesday - and the forthcoming two-legged area final of the LDV Vans Trophy with local rivals Southend United.

The club had first issued a statement on Monday declaring that tickets would only be on sale to season ticket holders and Colchester United Supporters Association (CUSA) members.

But that decision was subsequently reversed and supporters were given the opportunity to book their place pitch side yesterday for the most exciting series of matches the U's have been involved in for many years.

The dramatic u-turn caused a mad scramble for tickets and supporters in their droves descended upon the club and jammed up telephone lines for most of the day.

Life-long U's supporter Jean Dale, a season ticket holder and a member of the CUSA, splashed out £270 for six tickets for her family to watch the Coventry replay and the two LDV Vans Trophy ties with Southend.

She said: "I started queuing at 8.15 in the morning and I couldn't believe my luck when I was able to get all those tickets for all those games.

"I knew I could get the Southend tickets, but it wasn't until I arrived at the ground that I knew I could get the Coventry tickets as well.

"I'm very happy that I've been able to get them all."

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Published Wednesday January 28, 2004

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