Aidy Boothroyd believes Colchester United's FA Cup run has boosted everyone at the club.

After a barren spell of more than three years without a win in the competition, the U's have reached the third round for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

Wins over Hereford United and Bromley have seen them progress and Boothroyd believes it will act as a boost, particularly financially.

He said: “The prize money is important to a club like Colchester United.

“The chairman has come in and taken the club to another level in terms of finance and expectation.

“In order to do that, he has put his hand in his pocket.

“The board are pleased and I'm pleased, as is everyone connected with the club."

Meanwhile, Boothroyd admitted his U's side had to grind out a result at Hereford yesterday, in order to book their place in the next round.

The second-round tie looked like it was heading for a replay, until John-Joe O'Toole struck a late winner to send Colchester through with a 1-0 win.

“As a team, we are going to have games when we don't play particularly well," added Boothroyd.

“I thought we were terrific in patches against Hereford but that's why it's a work in progress."

For all of the latest U's news, see tomorrow's Gazette.