COLCHESTER United will play Barnet for the first time since their old Division Three play-off victory in 1998, after they were paired together in the third round of the FA Cup.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United will play Barnet for the first time since their old Division Three play-off victory in 1998, after they were paired together in the third round of the FA Cup.

Geraint Williams' men will travel to Underhill over the weekend of January 6/7.

Barnet are currently 19th in League Two, four points clear of the relegation zone.

They thumped League One side Northampton 4-1 in Saturday's second round tie at Underhill.

It was eight years ago that Steve Wignall's Colchester took on Barnet in a Third Division play-off semi-final. They lost the first leg 1-0 at Underhill, before winning the second leg 3-1 to progress through to the final. The U's beat Torquay 1-0 at Wembley to win promotion.

U's manager Geraint Williams said last night: “Obviously everyone wants a home draw, but it's a chance for us to progress.

“However, Barnet have a good home record. They have only lost three of their nine home games, and have scored 16 goals in the process, so we won't be taking them lightly.”