A brace from unlikely hero Joe Keith guided Colchester United through to the fourth round of The FA Cup for the first time in 15 years on Tuesday night to end the hopes of two-time giant-killers Accrington Stanley.
The U's left-midfielder, who has seen himself in the shade at Layer Road for much of the season, grabbed his second and third goals of the season in emphatic style and set up a trip for the Essex club north to Coventry in the next round.
However, Stanley, who have already seen off league opposition in the shape of Huddersfield and Bournemouth during this Cup run, may think themselves unlucky not to have forced extra-time in front of a packed Layer Road. A plucky second half display failed to hurt Colchester and instead the visitors ended the game with ten men, when Stephen Halford was sent-off for speaking out of turn after United's second.
Over five and a half thousand fans crammed into the stands to become Colchester's highest attendance of the season. And, after a delayed kick-off which allowed them all to get in, the home players were eager to get the match underway - and they were soon in front.
Wayne Andrews, a summer signing from Oldham, was causing the visitor's back line numerous problems with his sharp turning and lightening pace and it was his illusiveness that almost put Colchester in the lead. Craig Fagan ghosted in from his wide position on the right, and his deflected effort floated just too far in front of the stretching Andrews and his effort looped wide.
But just three minutes later, more great work from Fagan put Phil Parkinson's Division Two outfit ahead of the Conference side. As Stanley were still rueing a Rory Predergast disallowed goal - though referee Joslin blew up for the foul seconds before the strike - Andrews collected the ball in Accrington territory. Despite a heavy challenge on the number eight, Joslin allowed play to go on as Fagan attacked Peter Cavanagh. His deep cross from the line picked out Keith who had time to control with his chest and slot home beyond Jon Kennedy.
Colchester continued in similar fashion, closing down quickly giving red shirts little time to settle, only once did the U's lose concentration when Sam Stockley's head back to Simon Brown tempted Lutel James. Brown's quick reactions and sliding tackle allowed the home side to breath again.
At the other end, Andrews was still working away, and when he beat Cavanagh for pace just before the break, Kennedy was quickly out to smother his shot.
Tempers seemed to flare when the teams went in at the break, resulting in Stanley boss John Coleman taking a seat in the stands for the second forty-five, but his players battled on regardless and came so close to getting back in the match.
Colchester's first half attacking prowess was a distant memory as they were pinned back by a more purposeful Accrington approach. The home side were rarely allowed to venture forward and were restricted to a few brief counters, the best of which saw Frenchman Thomas Pinault flash wide from the edge of the box with the goal gapping.
Accrington, on the other hand, were creating far more, but just couldn't break down the resilient blue and white striped wall. When they did manage to get behind Colchester, a lack of quality in the final ball allowed the defence to re-group and clear. Greg Halford and Scott Fitzgerald's slips presented Accrington with two such opportunities, but on both occasions Prendergast failed to capitalise.
However, it was substitute Dean Calcutt who almost forced extra-time with his 73rd minute strike, but after collecting Paul Mullin's deep cross from the left, his crisp low shot was cleared from the line by Liam Chilvers. Then James' drive from Cavanagh's pull-back looked destined for the net but for the body of team mate Mullin, who deflected wide. This wasn't to be the Lancashire side's night.
With five minutes left, Keith sealed the win with devastating effect to underline the U's clinical advantage. It was his own cross from the left towards the head of Fagan that was cleared back to his feet 15 yards out. Keith wasn't letting another chance go to waste and he unleashed a fierce strike across Kennedy's goal and into the top corner of the net and the bumper home crowd were preparing for Fourth Round heaven.
Halford was dismissed with a second yellow card in the aftermath before Mullin managed to pull one back with just injury time remaining. His header though, nodding home from Calcutt's cross, was mere consolation, and by the way he trotted back to the half-way line, he knew the fairytale was over this year.
But for Colchester, the adventure continues. A trip to Highfield Road next weekend will represent a chance for them to become the giant-killers. And, on their first half display at least, they'll certainly feel that they have a chance.
Colchester: Simon Brown, Halford, Fitzgerald, Chilvers, Stockley, Fagan (Alan White 87), Izzet, Pinault, Keith, Andrews (Vine 76), McGleish.
Subs Not Used: Toney, Baldwin, McKinney.
Booked: Fagan.
Accrington Stanley: Kennedy, Cavanagh, Howarth (Smith 82), Halford, Williams, Prendergast, James, Cook, Flitcroft (Calcutt 69), Procter, Mullin.
Subs Not Used: Speare, Durnin, Hollis.
Sent off: Halford (86).
Booked: Halford, Williams.
Attendance: 5,611.
Referee: P Joslin (Nottinghamshire).