Colchester United Academy manager, Tony Humes, admitted that there were “tears” in the home dressing room following last night’s dramatic FA Youth Cup second round tie.

The U’s lost a penalty shoot-out 4-2 at the hands of triumphant Plymouth, after the two sides had shared a dramatic 4-4 draw following extra time.

Four times the U’s fell behind, and four times they equalised, but they eventually bowed out on penalties and so will miss out on a third round trip to Aston Villa.

“We are obviously disappointed, and there are a lot of tears in the dressing room,” revealed Humes.

“But the amount of character the boys showed to keep coming back, and keep coming back, was fantastic. They are out on their feet.

“It’s a credit to them for keeping going.

“It’s disappointing for them, after playing so well, and so disappointing that they will miss out on a trip to Aston Villa.

“But when you anaylise it, you can’t defend like that and you can’t give goals away.

“However, they are young kids and they are learning their trade.

“They wanted to do so well tonight. They are just out on their feet and there are a few tears in there, but it’s all character-building.”

The U’s goalscorers were Jack Curtis, Callum Harrison, Tyler Brampton and Patrick O’Shea.