Academy spot on in Youth Cup

[Thracian]

In a game of three penalties it was an extra-time spot kick by the nearly-exhausted Ashley Chambers which sent Leicester City deservedly through to the fifth round of the FA Youth Uup with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Walkers tonight.

It was fitting that Chambers should clinch the winner in a captivating match because it was he, more than anyone, who was the key tormentor of Palace and, as such my close choice for Man of the Match on a night when the Leicester side was full of heroes.

As expected this was to a great extent a clash of two formidable attacks. Palace had some wonderfully gifted individuals, particularly their number 9, who I'm told was Ashley Robinson despite his being listed in the programme as Sean Scannell, and left winger Vic Moses.

But fast improving Leicester gave not one inch from start to last and might actually have all but clinched the game quite early on in the first half.

Leicester first teamers Ashley Chambers at centre-forward and Joe Mattock in left midfield, plus prolific Academy scorer Billy Kee led City into battle with as good as example as I've ever seen from them with a series of one-touch moves which cut the big but vulnerable Palace defence to shreds at times.

The breakthrough came early with a vicious low cross by Kee across the six yard box which cannoned off back-tracking Palace defender Nathanial Clyne into the net. Another brilliant move shortly afterwards allowed Mattock to cross similarly and, this time, Kee sidefooted onto a post with the goal gaping.

The football was fast and furious. Palace might well have equalised when one of their strikers outsprinted Scott Garner down the centre and, despite a desperate but successful blocking of the ball from behind, a second chance fell to the Palace man but this time he tamely failed to beat O'Brien from close range.

Leicester's football flowed with Joe Cobb and Chambers flashing crosses into the box which should have been finished and Joe Mattock blasting high over from 15 yards when he should have scored. Palace had a similar chance which was wasted and the Palace number four finished the half by curling a 20 yarder inches just wide of City's left post.

City started the second half promising with Chambers dribbling wide past the Palace keeper but failing to find a colleague with final pass when a goal seemed likely.

It was a miss City quickly regretted as the Palace equalised. Goalkeeper O'Brien prevented the ball from going out for a corner, but Aaron Dalhouse gained possession and gave Ashley Robinson a simple tap in.

Leicester responded. A great dribble by Craig King put Kee through but he was ruled offside, a Chambers free kick from outside the box was turned over the bar but eventually City regained the lead when a Joe Mattock corner led to a foul in the box and Billy Kee gobbled up the penalty.

Kee was replaced by Robbie Burns and almost immediately O'Brien made the best of several eyecatching saves by tipping a goalbound toe poke from Keiron Cadogan around the post.

Joe Mattock had two excellent chances to increase City's lead before a another rather dubious penalty led to Palace's second equaliser which sent the game into extra time.

This was no less dramatic than the rest of the game. Palace's Bostock looked certain to score when right through but somehow O'Brien rushed out and managed a slight but vital block.

Mattock had a brilliant chance but missed once more, Chambers was then first to a loose ball in the goalmouth but only touched the ball onto a post and the same player then produced a piece of breathtaking brilliance by controlling a difficult windblown punt, turning inside his marker and curling a 28-yard shot only inches wide.

Eventually though the break came. Lee Cox was fouled on the right and Chambers drove home the penalty with confidence to win the match 3-2 despite O'Brien needing to make one more vital near post save .

There was no playing out time by Leicester this time. Coach Steve Beaglehole never stopped urging his spent team to close down high up the pitch and to keep playing their football until the final whistle.

How the entire team earned their standing ovation from the fans afterwards. They did the club proud by winning a wonderful match against a talented side with style as well as spirit. Truly a night to remember.

[Flynny]

Cheers Thrac, sounds like a good game.

Good to hear Mattock so involved, even if he missed a lot of chances. I'm starting to think we're playing him so regularly in the first team, slightly out of his depth, without giving him the breathing space to learn and improve, that we might spoil him.

Christ, that was an unwieldy sentance. But yeah anyway, a couple of games at this level should benefit him.

[Koke]

Cheers for the report Thrac. And its great to hear that the entire team got a standing ovation by the fans for their efforts and commitments.

[Thracian]

Cheers Thrac, sounds like a good game.

Good to hear Mattock so involved, even if he missed a lot of chances. I'm starting to think we're playing him so regularly in the first team, slightly out of his depth, without giving him the breathing space to learn and improve, that we might spoil him.

Christ, that was an unwieldy sentance. But yeah anyway, a couple of games at this level should benefit him.

He was formidable tonight, particularly first half, even by his Academy standards. I've always known he has potential as a defender but it was the way he attacked the area from halfway line to the goalline which so impressed.

The guy looked more determined than I've ever seen him before.

Mind you, having people like Cobb and Chambers running off him into space gave him options but he did seem to revel in the freedom to go at people that he was given by Beaglehole who, himself, had an outstanding night from the technical area.

[Bert]

In a game of three penalties it was an extra-time spot kick by the nearly-exhausted Ashley Chambers which sent Leicester City deservedly through to the fifth round of the FA Youth Uup with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Walkers tonight.

It was fitting that Chambers should clinch the winner in a captivating match because it was he, more than anyone, who was the key tormentor of Palace and, as such my close choice for Man of the Match on a night when the Leicester side was full of heroes.

As expected this was to a great extent a clash of two formidable attacks. Palace had some wonderfully gifted individuals, particularly their number 9, who I'm told was Ashley Robinson despite his being listed in the programme as Sean Scannell, and left winger Vic Moses.

But fast improving Leicester gave not one inch from start to last and might actually have all but clinched the game quite early on in the first half.

Leicester first teamers Ashley Chambers at centre-forward and Joe Mattock in left midfield, plus prolific Academy scorer Billy Kee led City into battle with as good as example as I've ever seen from them with a series of one-touch moves with cut the big but vulnerable Palace defence to shreds at times.

The breakthrough came early with a vicious low cross by Kee across the six yard box which cannoned off a back-tracking Palace defender into the net. Another brilliant move shortly afterwards allowed Mattock to crosss similarly and, this time, Kee sidefooted onto a post with the goal gaping.

The football was fast and furious. Palace might well have equalised when one of their strikers outsprinted Scott Garner down the centre and, despite a desperate but successful blocking of the ball from behind, a second chance fell to the Palace man but this time he tamely failed to beat O'Brien from close range.

Leicester's football flowed with Joe Cobb and Chambers flashing crosses into the box which should have been finished and Joe Mattock blasting high over from 15 yards when he should have scored. Palace had a similar chance which was wasted and the Palace number four finished the half by curling a 20 yarder inches just wide of City's left post.

City started the second half promising with Chambers dribbling wide past the Palace keeper but failing to find a colleague with final pass when a goal seemed likely.

It was a miss City quickly regretted as the Palace number nine equalised after a far post cross which Leicester looked odds on to clear.

Leicester responded. A great dribble by Craig King put Kee through but he was ruled offside, a Chambers free kick from outside the box was turned over the bar but eventually City regained the lead when a Joe Mattock corner led to a foul in the box and Billy Kee gobbled up the penalty.

Kee was replaced by Robbie Burns and almost immediately O'Brien made the best of several eyecatching saves by tipping a goalbound toe poke from Keiron Cadogan around the post.

Joe Mattock had two excellent chances to increase City's lead before a another rather dubious penalty led to Palace's second equaliser which sent the game into extra time.

This was no less dramatic than the rest of the game. Palace's Bostock looked certain to score when right through but somehow O'Brien rushed out and managed a slight but vital block.

Mattock had a brilliant chance but missed once more, Chambers was then first to a loose ball in the goalmouth but only touched the ball onto a post and the same player then produced a piece of breathtaking brilliance by controlling a difficult windblown punt, turning inside his marker and curling a 28-yard shot only inches wide.

Eventually though the break came. Craig King was fouled on the right and Chambers drove home the penalty with confidence to win the match 3-2 despite O'Brien needing to make one more vital near post save .

There was no playing out time by Leicester this time. Coach Steve Beaglehole never stopped urging his spent team to close down high up the pitch and to keep playing their football until the final whistle.

How the entire team earned their standing ovation from the fans afterwards. They did the club proud by winning a wonderful match against a talented side with style as well as spirit. Truly a night to remember.

had to laugh at the precision! Other than that, a compelling report, cheers Thrac.

[Thracian]

had to laugh at the precision! Other than that, a compelling report, cheers Thrac.

Manwell often says I exaggerate!

[Bernie's Love Child]

In a game of three penalties it was an extra-time spot kick by the nearly-exhausted Ashley Chambers which sent Leicester City deservedly through to the fifth round of the FA Youth Uup with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Walkers tonight.

It was fitting that Chambers should clinch the winner in a captivating match because it was he, more than anyone, who was the key tormentor of Palace and, as such my close choice for Man of the Match on a night when the Leicester side was full of heroes.

As expected this was to a great extent a clash of two formidable attacks. Palace had some wonderfully gifted individuals, particularly their number 9, who I'm told was Ashley Robinson despite his being listed in the programme as Sean Scannell, and left winger Vic Moses.

But fast improving Leicester gave not one inch from start to last and might actually have all but clinched the game quite early on in the first half.

Leicester first teamers Ashley Chambers at centre-forward and Joe Mattock in left midfield, plus prolific Academy scorer Billy Kee led City into battle with as good as example as I've ever seen from them with a series of one-touch moves with cut the big but vulnerable Palace defence to shreds at times.

The breakthrough came early with a vicious low cross by Kee across the six yard box which cannoned off back-tracking Palace Nathanial Clyne defender into the net. Another brilliant move shortly afterwards allowed Mattock to crosss similarly and, this time, Kee sidefooted onto a post with the goal gaping.

The football was fast and furious. Palace might well have equalised when one of their strikers outsprinted Scott Garner down the centre and, despite a desperate but successful blocking of the ball from behind, a second chance fell to the Palace man but this time he tamely failed to beat O'Brien from close range.

Leicester's football flowed with Joe Cobb and Chambers flashing crosses into the box which should have been finished and Joe Mattock blasting high over from 15 yards when he should have scored. Palace had a similar chance which was wasted and the Palace number four finished the half by curling a 20 yarder inches just wide of City's left post.

City started the second half promising with Chambers dribbling wide past the Palace keeper but failing to find a colleague with final pass when a goal seemed likely.

It was a miss City quickly regretted as the Palace equalised. Goalkeeper O'Brien prevented the ball from going out for a corner, but Aaron Dalhouse gained possession and gave Ashley Robinson a simple tap in.

Leicester responded. A great dribble by Craig King put Kee through but he was ruled offside, a Chambers free kick from outside the box was turned over the bar but eventually City regained the lead when a Joe Mattock corner led to a foul in the box and Billy Kee gobbled up the penalty.

Kee was replaced by Robbie Burns and almost immediately O'Brien made the best of several eyecatching saves by tipping a goalbound toe poke from Keiron Cadogan around the post.

Joe Mattock had two excellent chances to increase City's lead before a another rather dubious penalty led to Palace's second equaliser which sent the game into extra time.

This was no less dramatic than the rest of the game. Palace's Bostock looked certain to score when right through but somehow O'Brien rushed out and managed a slight but vital block.

Mattock had a brilliant chance but missed once more, Chambers was then first to a loose ball in the goalmouth but only touched the ball onto a post and the same player then produced a piece of breathtaking brilliance by controlling a difficult windblown punt, turning inside his marker and curling a 28-yard shot only inches wide.

Eventually though the break came. Lee Cox was fouled on the right and Chambers drove home the penalty with confidence to win the match 3-2 despite O'Brien needing to make one more vital near post save .

There was no playing out time by Leicester this time. Coach Steve Beaglehole never stopped urging his spent team to close down high up the pitch and to keep playing their football until the final whistle.

How the entire team earned their standing ovation from the fans afterwards. They did the club proud by winning a wonderful match against a talented side with style as well as spirit. Truly a night to remember.

Quality review mate. I really enjoyed the game last night. Was the best £3 I've spent in ages!

[colbo68]

In a game of three penalties it was an extra-time spot kick by the nearly-exhausted Ashley Chambers which sent Leicester City deservedly through to the fifth round of the FA Youth Uup with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Walkers tonight.

It was fitting that Chambers should clinch the winner in a captivating match because it was he, more than anyone, who was the key tormentor of Palace and, as such my close choice for Man of the Match on a night when the Leicester side was full of heroes.

As expected this was to a great extent a clash of two formidable attacks. Palace had some wonderfully gifted individuals, particularly their number 9, who I'm told was Ashley Robinson despite his being listed in the programme as Sean Scannell, and left winger Vic Moses.

But fast improving Leicester gave not one inch from start to last and might actually have all but clinched the game quite early on in the first half.

Leicester first teamers Ashley Chambers at centre-forward and Joe Mattock in left midfield, plus prolific Academy scorer Billy Kee led City into battle with as good as example as I've ever seen from them with a series of one-touch moves with cut the big but vulnerable Palace defence to shreds at times.

The breakthrough came early with a vicious low cross by Kee across the six yard box which cannoned off back-tracking Palace Nathanial Clyne defender into the net. Another brilliant move shortly afterwards allowed Mattock to crosss similarly and, this time, Kee sidefooted onto a post with the goal gaping.

The football was fast and furious. Palace might well have equalised when one of their strikers outsprinted Scott Garner down the centre and, despite a desperate but successful blocking of the ball from behind, a second chance fell to the Palace man but this time he tamely failed to beat O'Brien from close range.

Leicester's football flowed with Joe Cobb and Chambers flashing crosses into the box which should have been finished and Joe Mattock blasting high over from 15 yards when he should have scored. Palace had a similar chance which was wasted and the Palace number four finished the half by curling a 20 yarder inches just wide of City's left post.

City started the second half promising with Chambers dribbling wide past the Palace keeper but failing to find a colleague with final pass when a goal seemed likely.

It was a miss City quickly regretted as the Palace equalised. Goalkeeper O'Brien prevented the ball from going out for a corner, but Aaron Dalhouse gained possession and gave Ashley Robinson a simple tap in.

Leicester responded. A great dribble by Craig King put Kee through but he was ruled offside, a Chambers free kick from outside the box was turned over the bar but eventually City regained the lead when a Joe Mattock corner led to a foul in the box and Billy Kee gobbled up the penalty.

Kee was replaced by Robbie Burns and almost immediately O'Brien made the best of several eyecatching saves by tipping a goalbound toe poke from Keiron Cadogan around the post.

Joe Mattock had two excellent chances to increase City's lead before a another rather dubious penalty led to Palace's second equaliser which sent the game into extra time.

This was no less dramatic than the rest of the game. Palace's Bostock looked certain to score when right through but somehow O'Brien rushed out and managed a slight but vital block.

Mattock had a brilliant chance but missed once more, Chambers was then first to a loose ball in the goalmouth but only touched the ball onto a post and the same player then produced a piece of breathtaking brilliance by controlling a difficult windblown punt, turning inside his marker and curling a 28-yard shot only inches wide.

Eventually though the break came. Lee Cox was fouled on the right and Chambers drove home the penalty with confidence to win the match 3-2 despite O'Brien needing to make one more vital near post save .

There was no playing out time by Leicester this time. Coach Steve Beaglehole never stopped urging his spent team to close down high up the pitch and to keep playing their football until the final whistle.

How the entire team earned their standing ovation from the fans afterwards. They did the club proud by winning a wonderful match against a talented side with style as well as spirit. Truly a night to remember.

Cheers Thrac - your summation of the game was spot-on in my book. Martin O'Neill was at the game - wonder who he was watching? Probably a few of them I guess? The boy Moses looked a good prospect and Mattock/Chambers definately stand-out at this level.

[Thracian]

He would certainly have noticed the two you mention but I also wonder if he came to see Jorrin John.

John has already attracted interest and did look as if he was coming off the bench at one stage last night but in the event it was Elliot Chamberlain who got the nod.

I won't embarrass the guy by naming him but one Leicester first teamer said John was the best player he'd ever seen for his age and I can well understand Leicester not being over keen to show him off just yet.

Another MON might have noted was Lee Cox although doubtless he'd have had his eye on a few Palace players as well. You wouldn't need to be a registered scout to know that Victor Moses and one or two others had something special.

[Thracian]

Quality review mate. I really enjoyed the game last night. Was the best £3 I've spent in ages!

It certainly made a change from the miserable faces after first team games.

[Calum McDermott]

He would certainly have noticed the two you mention but I also wonder if he came to see Jorrin John.

John has already attracted interest and did look as if he was coming off the bench at one stage last night but in the event it was Elliot Chamberlain who got the nod.

I won't embarrass the guy by naming him but one Leicester first teamer said John was the best player he'd ever seen for his age and I can well understand Leicester not being over keen to show him off just yet.

Another MON might have noted was Lee Cox although doubtless he'd have had his eye on a few Palace players as well. You wouldn't need to be a registered scout to know that Victor Moses and one or two others had something special.

[/quote

Please name the guy and who are you talking about that might have been looking at players?

[Steven]

He would certainly have noticed the two you mention but I also wonder if he came to see Jorrin John.

John has already attracted interest and did look as if he was coming off the bench at one stage last night but in the event it was Elliot Chamberlain who got the nod.

I won't embarrass the guy by naming him but one Leicester first teamer said John was the best player he'd ever seen for his age and I can well understand Leicester not being over keen to show him off just yet.

Another MON might have noted was Lee Cox although doubtless he'd have had his eye on a few Palace players as well. You wouldn't need to be a registered scout to know that Victor Moses and one or two others had something special.

This is the same guy who has played for England U17s? The cat is out of the bag?

[Staf]

Well done to the academy lads good to see Chambers doing well again and a good win against a good palace side

[Cal]

Quality review Thrac, Our youth team sounds better than our first team

[Thracian]

Quality review Thrac, Our youth team sounds better than our first team

Yes, I get stick for that.

But I imagine everyone down there last night would conclude that the game was a lot more enjoyable to watch and far better value than the first team.

Nor is there anything mysterious about the reasons why.

The match involved two teams of talented young players determined to win and to show their skills to the full.

It was full of shots, penalties, near misses, goalmouth drama, memorable individual displays, and five goals.

You rarely see anyone trying to settle for a boring 1-0 in Academy football.

Instead there's a sense of adventure, of challenge, of providing something worth watching...qualities which are too often squeezed out of games by coaches and managers who live in fear of defeat.

[Bryn]

I keep hearing whispers about this Jorrin John on here... sounds good. Hopefully they keep him wrapped up well, don't spoil him or lose him.

[The Stig]

I keep hearing whispers about this Jorrin John on here... sounds good. Hopefully they keep him wrapped up well, don't spoil him or lose him.

Within two weeks people will be demanding for him to be put in the first team.

[Sods]

Enjoyed the night, thought Mattock showed why he is in the 1st team.

Cox played particulary very well i thought very strong and looked at late runs at every opportunity, whilst also sitting in front of the back four.

The centre defenders didn't have the best of starts but got a lot better as the game got on, Rowe Turner was good but sometimes where he's headers went.

Chambers quality just needs that finishing product and he will be ready, Kee looks impressive bit early for him to see quite good at antipating i thought.

That King lad did my head in though, always told to get stuck in and was a bit weak, although the academy must see he has something as they told him this, although when on the ball he was good.

[RowlattsFox]

According to the FA Website we will be away to Chelsea/Shrewsbury in the fifth round.

[Sods]

According to the FA Website we will be away to Chelsea/Shrewsbury in the fifth round.

Lets hope they get Shrewsbury

[Thracian]

Enjoyed the night, thought Mattock showed why he is in the 1st team.

Cox played particulary very well i thought very strong and looked at late runs at every opportunity, whilst also sitting in front of the back four.

The centre defenders didn't have the best of starts but got a lot better as the game got on, Rowe Turner was good but sometimes where he's headers went.

Chambers quality just needs that finishing product and he will be ready, Kee looks impressive bit early for him to see quite good at antipating i thought.

That King lad did my head in though, always told to get stuck in and was a bit weak, although the academy must see he has something as they told him this, although when on the ball he was good.

That's Craig King - he's a bit young and still a fairly new regular in the side. Improving though.