COLCHESTER United Youths play host to champions Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup tomorrow, in a repeat of a third round tie from eight years ago.

But they will do well to emulate their predecessors, who beat Chelsea 2-1 that day (December 14, 2004) thanks to a winner from Jamie Guy.

Just one U’s player, from that youth team of 2004, is still on the Essex club’s books – keeper Mark Cousins.

No. 1 Cousins is set to regain his place in the U’s senior side for their next fixture, at home to Oldham tomorrow week, following the return of loanee John Sullivan to his parent club, Charlton.

Striker Guy and midfielder Robbie King are the only other players, from that youth team of eight years ago, who went on to play in the Football League.

Guy made 52 league appearances for the U’s, although 50 of these were as a substitute, scoring three goals in the Championship. He is currently banging in the goals for Ryman League Division One North leaders Maldon & Tiptree.

Former youth team skipper King, made three appearances as a substitute in the league for the U’s. He is now at Canvey Island.

For Chelsea, midfielder Michael Mancienne is now at Hamburger SV, while Jack Cork plays for Southampton and Dean Furman is at Oldham.

U’s team for FA Youth Cup v Chelsea, 2004: M Cousins, T Devaux, E Cussons, L Bailey, M Paine, D Cross, R Pond, R King, J Guy, R Harris, D Wareham.

Chelsea: J Russell, J Younghusband, A Pettigrew, M Macnienne, E Brand, D Furman, J Simmons, J Cork, P Younghusband, J Smith, J Tillen.

Back to the present and about 500 tickets have already been snapped up for tomorrow’s FA Youth Cup clash, to be staged at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (3pm).

Tickets are priced �7 for adults, �5 concessions, and �3 for under-14s.

Tony Humes’ under-18 squad breezed through the first two rounds, hammering Camberley 13-1 and Faversham 8-1.

Chelsea beat Blackburn 4-1 in the final last season.