Colchester United U21s will take on Heybridge Swifts in the Third Round of the Essex Senior Cup at the JobServe Community Stadium on Friday 17th November (7:30pm KO). It will be the U's first game in the tournament.

For supporters who aren't familiar with the competition, the Essex Senior Cup dates all the way back to 1884.

It follows a knock-out system and it's regarded as the most prestigious cup competition in the county of Essex.

Colchester United were crowned champions twice in the history of the tournament, winning the very first edition in the 1883-84 season after beating Braintree 3-1 in the final and the 2009-10 edition after beating AFC Hornchurch 2-1.

The U's, however, have been unlucky on five other occasions, losing the finals against Canvey Island in 2012, Leytonstone & Ilford in 1982, Leyton in 1903 and 1900, and Ilford in 1892.

The current holders are Braintree Town who beat Concord Rangers 2-0 in the last edition's final.

As far as the most successful team is concerned, that's Ilford who have won thirteen titles.

The U's will be entering the competition with a clash against 2015-16 runners-up - Heybridge Swifts.

Liam Bailey's men will aim to carry on their winning form, having beaten Luton Town 2-0 in the Premier League Cup last week.

The visitors, Heybridge Swifts, play their matches in the Isthmian League North Division.

They currently sit in ninth place, having played ten matches. Out of those, they won five, drew one and lost four.

Last time out, they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Felixstowe & Walton United, who sit second in the league table.

The Swifts were established in 1880 and play their home matches at Scraley Road Stadium in Heybridge, just on the outskirts of Maldon.