COLCHESTER United's trip to play Manchester United will be only their second League Cup quarter-final in their history.

The U's have reached the last eight of the competition only once before, back in the 1974-75 season.

They were beaten 2-1 by then division two side Aston Villa in front of a crowd of nearly 12,000 at Layer Road, as their progress in the tournament was ended at the fifth-round stage.

A Colchester side managed by Jim Smith and including the likes of record-appearance maker Micky Cook, Mick Packer, Steve Leslie and Mike Walker took on Villa, bidding to make it through to the semi-finals.

Villa took the lead in the 26th minute through Alan Little.

And when the visitors doubled their advantage on the hour mark through Ray Graydon, the U’s looked down and out.

However, they made a game of it and got back into the tie with six minutes remaining through John Froggatt, whose long-range screamer gave the home side hope.

But they were unable to rescue a draw and earn what would have been a lucrative replay at Villa Park.

Villa went on to lift the trophy later that season, after beating Norwich City in the final at Wembley.