CONCORD Rangers face the toughest test of their Essex Senior Cup title defence to date after drawing League One giants Colchester United in the semi-finals of the competition.

Concord are hoping to make it three successive final appearances in as many years, with rivals Canvey the last team to do that from 1998 to 2001.

Concord have beaten Harlow, Romford and Chelmsford City so far in the competition, scoring 16 goals without reply.

Colchester beat Bowers & Pitsea 3-1 on Monday, and have also seen off Canvey and AFC Hornchurch this season.

The winners of the tie will play either Heybridge Swifts, Redbridge or Tilbury in the final, with the latter two still to play their quarter-final.

The semi-finals will take place on or before March 6.