Born and Bred: Colchester United

I shall repeat my earlier comment:

City Who?

In all seriousness, a great win that will provide such a huge morale boost going into the remainder of the season!

I guess sometimes you just can't buy results! Big win for the U's, but now you'll be expected to win every game!

Griffin- Definitely, hopefully it'll bring good morale rather than overconfidence.

Justice- Haha, glad they underestimated us as well! As for winning every game, unlucky but I can see why you may expect that now.

The fourth round saw a few little surprises, however none bigger than Manchester City's exit from the competition. League One side Colchester, the only side from the third tier who entered this stage, saw off the former Premier League champions in a entertaining 3-1 win.

Elsewhere, Preston progressed after a 2-1 victory against Premiership Watford at Deepdale and Leicester City beat Spurs 3-2 after a late Jamie Vardy goal saw the Foxes through.

Manchester United just about overcame Milton Keynes Dons, who are currently plying their trade within League One. Jose Mourinho's side recorded a 1-0 victory with winger Adnan Januzaj scoring the crucial goal to scrap through.

The former Belgian international has been used sparingly since his return to Old Trafford following loan spells at first Dortmund and more recently Sunderland. Januzaj has featured just four times so far for the Red Devils this year, struggling to push the likes of Anthony Martial out of the side who has been capturing the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid in more recent times.

Always nice when the cup draw puts you up against another giant after knocking one out!

A good month of results in the league, and you look good to go on and secure promotion now!

Griffin- Oh it is isn't it, we were close to getting another great result! Hopefully we can continue to close out the season in style.

Colchester United have made history following their 8-0 home victory against Port Vale at the weekend.

The result saw the U's move seven points clear of third placed Blackburn, but also break a long standing record within the division. Paddy McLaughlin's side have broken the record for the biggest win in the league, previously held by the club in their 7-1 victory on the opening day in 2009 over eventual League One winners, Norwich.

Bradley Fewster's hat-trick was accompanied by a double from Semi Ajayi and Eddie Nketiah, alongside a goal from winger Brennan Dickenson on the stroke of half time. The Arsenal loanee, Nketiah, was unlucky not to score another goal, his effort from outside the area came rebounding off the bar with about half an hour to go.

Colchester face Rotherham next weekend as they attempt to stretch the gap between themselves and Blackburn further, but also cement their hold over second placed MK Dons who stand just five points behind.

Last time the two met, Colchester beat the Millers 3-0 with a double from Bradley Fewster and a solitary goal from Eddie Nketiah at the Weston Homes Community Stadium as they pushed themselves into the playoff places at the time.

Colchester boss Paddy McLaughlin has stated that the season isn't 'over yet' as the U's record a point against Rotherham.

The U's have had their lead at the top slip to just three points after a 1-1 draw at the New York Stadium, an own goal from defender Conor Townsend was cancelled out by a second half goal from on-loan striker Tyler Roberts in what proved to be a tough game for the visitors.

Despite the result however, Blackburn and Peterborough both failed to record wins in order to reduce the deficit significantly and still trail slightly behind MK Dons in second. The big winners of the weekend were Bolton, who moved up into third with a 3-0 win over local rivals and fellow contenders, Blackburn.

McLaughlin said in a press conference after the game, 'There's still plenty of time for the teams below us to pick up points and close the gap, it's not over yet for us and we need to realise that. I think a lot of the boys lacked concentration within the second half and seemed to slack off at the end of the game so we'll be looking to address that ahead of our next game.'

'We face Wimbledon next, they have a lot to play for themselves so they'll be up for a fight as they're in need of the points just like us. We can't underestimate these sorts of sides and in order to one, gain promotion and two, to win the title, you need to beat as many sides as you can, it's as simple as that really.'

'Perhaps we came into this game a bit too confident from the last, we got an incredible result at home to Port Vale but it's no excuse. I told the players that they needed to move on and focus on this fixture, but deep down I don't think some of the lads did and were caught dwelling on past success. They'll be no repeat of that, I'm sure.'

McLaughlin continued, 'There are capable sides challenging us and they will until the bitter end, I'm confident about that. MK Dons were close to going straight back up to the Championship last season and they've shown real desire to do it this season, as have Blackburn. Bolton and Peterborough have a squad full of talent with a lot of depth also. There's a lot of wildcards to consider as well.'

Colchester close out the season on the 6th May to Burton Albion, but before then they have nine more fixtures to contend with. Wimbledon, Bolton, Rochdale, Accrington and Walsall will see us through the month of March before we head into the final stretch of games.

Some mixed results. But you are going strong I see. Almost promotion to the Championship!

That stoppage time equaliser against Accrington must have given mixed emotions

Promotion is so close to being in the bag! Two or three more right results your way and you're there and then its just a matter of sealing the league title!

De Magere- Exciting times for sure.

Justice- Definitely, but we needed that point so I'm not too sorry.

Griffin- Hopefully we can get them!