THE oldest recorded town in Britain is in the grip of FA Cup fever as the U's tomorrowface one of their biggest games in years.More than 3,000 Colchester United supporters are expected to travel to Sheffield United's Bramall Lane for the clubs' fifth round cup clash.

THE oldest recorded town in Britain is in the grip of FA Cup fever as the U's tomorrowface one of their biggest games in years.

More than 3,000 Colchester United supporters are expected to travel to Sheffield United's Bramall Lane for the clubs' fifth round cup clash.

At 2pm, the Essex town's ears will be glued to the radio as fans revel in the opportunity to rub salt into the wounds of Ipswich Town fans, whose club was knocked out in the early stages of the competition.

BecciLittlewood, 18, from Copford, is the town's club self-proclaimed mascot.

She said: "I think they're fantastic, the best club in the world.

"It's brilliant how they've done and a real boost to everyone who lives round here - I just wish they were live on TV so I could see Thomas Pinault's legs again."

JonWilliams, 16, from the Hythe, Colchester, said he would not be listening, but he had a valid excuse – he is playing in midfield for Colchester United's youth side against Millwall tomorrow.

However, he said: "Everyone at the club is over the moon – good luck to the boys."

Richard Taylor, manager of Quilters Bar, Middleborough, said the pub would be packed out with drinkers tomorrow eager for news.

The 23-year-old Liverpool supporter, from North Station Road, said: "It's just gone football crazy in the town. I think it's going to be mad. There's been a lot of talk about and I've been amazed with how they've performed."

But Ipswich Town fan Ken Sansom, 69, of Causton Road, said the U's would have to improve after Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy defeat by Southend United.

"If they change their goalkeeper, they might have a chance – one of the goals went right through his legs. But I hope they win."

Not everyone was getting excited by the chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Garage mechanic manager Paul Bacon, 46, from Highwoods, said: "Who cares? A lot of people in the motor trade aren't interested in football. But, anyway, I hope they beat whoever they're playing – it's Stoke isn't it?"