Colchester United youth coach Joe Dunne has paid tribute to his side after they made club history, reports BBC Essex.
Tuesday's 2-1 win at Crewe put the U's into the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup where they will meet either Ipswich Town or Aston Villa at Layer Road.
"The harder the games get, the better we play. That's Chelsea, Cardiff and Crewe we've beaten now," said Dunne.
"To win at Crewe, which has such a great record of bringing through quality players, makes it special."