Town's youths proceeded to round four of the FA Youth Cup with a 3-2 win over Leicester. In truth it should have been more confortable, but Town made heavy weather against a side who were clearly inferior.

Town started well and went close with shots from Robert Dickinson and Matthew Robinson. The Blues went ahead shortly afterwards through Ian Westlake with a goal of Mickey Stockwell like tenacity. The Town number six, playing in the centre of midfield, ran powerfully through the Leicester defence before slipping the ball past Price in the Leicester goal.

Highly rated Town striker Darren Bent went close twice when he closed down Price and got himself in the way of a couple of clearances.

Town were on top through most of this half, but couldn't add to their lead. Eventually Leicester drew level against the run of play. A bad pass across the box by Lee Beevers was picked up on the left flank by a Leicester player who crossed the ball into the box. Darren Kelly in the Town goal made a hash of it and a scramble ensued. Eventually Jonathan Stevenson banged the ball home.

Just before half-time Town were back ahead. A corner from the left saw Price fail to get anywhere near it and Guy Bonwick headed home with ease.

The second half was largely Town and it wasn't long before a third goal was added, the best of the night. The ball looped into the box from the right and it looked as though Robert Dickinson was about to volley spectacularly. However, the skilful midfield trickster took the ball donw and past the defender in one movement, went past another defender before confidently planting the ball in the net. Dickinson had a fine game showing some good passing, good skills and an excellent touch. His goal capped a memorable performance. Darren Ambrose went close with a twenty-five yarder which went just over the bar.

At the other end Leicester sub Richard Pearmain managed to hit the post twice. First off Kelly messed up a kick out and he picked it up and shot on the turn. Later he cut in from the right and hammered one against the post.

As the game drew to a close Town went close three times. First the impressive Bent had a shot well saved by the post, the Westlake had a good shot and finally Lee Beevers had a header hit the bar from a corner.

In the final minute Jonathan Stevenson scored his and Leicester's second after he was left unmarked in the box with the ball coming in from the right.

Referee English, who had made some very odd decisions throughout the game, blew the final whistle and Town were through to round four.

Best Town men on the night were Darren Bent who held the ball up well, Robert Dickinson and Ian Westlake. Over all an entertaining game which Town ought really to have won more easily.

Darren Kelly, Erdem Artun, Lee Beevers, William Snowdon, Guy Bonwick, Ian Westlake, Matthew Bloomfield, Darren Ambrose, Darren Bent, Matthew Robinson (Matthew Richards 65), Robert Dickinson (Steve Burton 82). Unused subs: Lee Hulyer (GK), Benoit Subrin, Lee Chaffey.

Photo: Action Images

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