COLCHESTER United hero Cohen Bramall is defiantly claiming the second goal in his side's magnificent Carabao Cup victory at Crawley Town.

The U's won 3-1 in last night's fourth-round tie and will proudly take their place in the quarter-final draw, alongside the likes of Premier League champions Manchester City.

Bramall's thunderous free-kick eight minutes into the second half helped set them on the road to victory but has been officially logged as an own goal, given that it thudded off the bar and into the net via keeper Michael Luyambula's back.

However, the left-back says he is claiming it "all day long" - and celebrating his first-ever professional goal.

“It’s gone down as an own goal but I’m taking it, all day long," said the 23-year-old, whose free-kick was sandwiched by efforts from Colchester's two Lukes, Norris and Gambin.

“It hit the bar and the keeper’s back but I think it was already in. That’s all I’m saying.

“It was my first professional goal and I’m taking it.

“Ironically, I nearly scored another just before that but the ball skidded off the post.

"It was a brilliant night, even though we went behind again, just as we did against Newport on Saturday.

“But it was another great response and this was something special, because we’re into the quarter-finals.

“We can’t keep making shaky starts.

“It’s our downfall at the moment and something we need to get to grips with.

“But when we go behind, we tend to respond quickly and, on this occasion, we totally deserved our win.

“It was a great night and the fans were our 12th man.

“They came in numbers and we can’t thank them enough.

“They were super-loud and louder than the home supporters, by far.

“Much love goes out to them."

Colchester will be joined in the quarter-final draw by last night's other four winners - Manchester City, Everton, Leicester City and League One Oxford United.

There are three more ties tonight - Aston Villa v Wolves, Chelsea v Manchester United and Liverpool v Arsenal.

The draw is taking place during tomorrow's Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, on Radio Two, at around 8.45am.

Former Arsenal youngster Bramall says he and his team-mates will fancy their chances against anyway but would love a trip to a Premier League giant.

“We’re ready for the quarter-finals, whoever we play," he said.

"We're confident we can beat anyone, after knocking out sides like Crystal Palace and Spurs, the Champions League finalists.

“It sounds ridiculous but we’re backing ourselves and we’ll keep backing ourselves.

“We don’t fear anyone and don’t go into any game feeling that way.

“You have to be mentally strong, believing you’re going to win. You can’t doubt yourself.

“We want a trip to a big club because we back ourselves.

“We want the biggest club away from home and we want to make names for ourselves, individually and collectively.

"It’s good for everyone’s CV.

“It’s great for the club and it’ll be amazing for everyone."