The U’s under-18s travel to play Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium (kick-off 6pm), with the prize for the winners a home fifth-round tie against either Manchester United or Derby County.
Darren Fletcher’s Reds host the Rams at Old Trafford tomorrow night, by then knowing who they will face in the next round.
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Colchester are looking to make further progress in a competition in which they have impressed, this season.
Eddie Keen’s side have already seen off FC Halifax, Barnet and AFC Wimbledon and are back on the road for a fourth successive tie tonight against an Oxford team who entered the competition at the third-round stage and progressed with a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.
Colchester’s youngsters booked their fifth-round tie at Oxford with a 1-0 win at Halifax, courtesy of Owen Moore’s 70th-minute penalty.
FT | A fantastic win on the road for the young U’s as we progress to the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to Owen Moore’s 70th-minute penalty.
We will travel to face the winners of Oxford United vs Wigan Athletic, who meet next Wednesday.
Halifax 🔵 0-1 🟡 #ColU pic.twitter.com/rzHYmZifLo
— Colchester United FC Academy (@ColU_Academy) December 10, 2025
Colchester first-team head coach Danny Cowley has been impressed by the way in which the club’s under-18s have performed in the FA Youth Cup, this season.
Cowley said: “In the last round they beat Halifax in the last round on a Wednesday night at Brighouse Town, which is a ground that I know well because it’s very close to Huddersfield where I once managed.
“That definitely tests your minerals and your mentality and for us to go there, keep a clean sheet, find a goal from a penalty to qualify for the fourth round was brilliant.
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“I’m so proud of the boys and the efforts that they put in and of course, James McFarlane and Eddie Keen and Steve Ball and all of the academy staff.
“It was a really great night for us and I’m proud of the boys and the way they’ve represented the club.
Up for the cup - Colchester United under-18 boss Eddie Keen (Image: Richard Blaxall)
“We have a lot of young players that maybe people don’t know so much about but in our eyes, are super exciting and growing and improving by the day.
“Our challenge to them is to keep improving in the second half of the season at the rate of knots that they’ve improved in the first half of the season.”
Colchester’s tie with Oxford must be decided tonight, with extra-time and penalties if required.