Following on from their emphatic first leg win, Jason Wilcox’s U18’s secured their place in the FA Youth Cup Semi-final with a 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium – making it a convincing 5-1 aggregate win.
City were without three key members of the side in Captain Tosin Adarabioyo, Denzeil Boadu and Thierry Ambrose, who all missed this fixture due to injury. Yet they still started the stronger of the two sides, with stand-in skipper Kean Bryan seeing his well-drilled effort from the edge of the area well saved by Smith-Varnam.
Brandon Barker is undoubtedly one of the academy’s primary prospects and in the first half he displayed just what a special talent he is becoming. The exciting winger blitzed his full-back regularly – on one occasion setting up Aaron Nemane perfectly in the 14th minute, but the City no.7 squandered a golden opportunity.
A well-whipped free-kick from Bersant Celina was the next chance of note; the Kosavan seeing his effort travel just past the post. Leicester were outplayed for large spells, but got their big break in the 38th minute. Captain Chillwell’s deflected cross found Hamza Choudhury in space, but City shotstopper Haig produced a fine save to deny the midfielder.
Moments later there was a chance at the other end. A delicious pass from midfielder Manu Garcia freed Celina, who was thwarted by Smith-Varnam. Every time Barker was handed the ball, he proved to be a constant thorn in the Leicester side. His next mazy run just before half-time nearly led to the opening goal. He twisted and turned inside a couple of Leicester defenders before unleashing a wicked strike which sailed just wide.
City were arguably not as fluent in the second half and paid the price when Leicester were handed a route back into the tie. Charlie Oliver appeared to handle the ball in the area, and after assistance from the linesman, the referee signalled to the spot. Layton Nduwku slotted home to make it 3-1 on aggregate.
Even with their performance levels dipping considerably – a view which was shared by Jason Wilcox, City still remained in relative control and should have got their equaliser with just under 15 minutes left. Garcia was the chief orchestrator in midfield, combining composure and quality on the ball with grit and determination. The Spaniard threaded through a delightful pass from substitute Buckley-Ricketts, though the striker couldn’t beat Smith-Varnam. Celina’s curling effort from the rebound missed the goalframe.
Wilcox’s men finally get their long overdue goal as the game drew to a close. The deadly combination of Barker and Angelino on the left worked wonderfully; the Spaniard continuing his fine form with a precise delivery for Buckley-Ricketts to put this one away.
Then the City no.15 won a penalty after being bundled over in the box. Barker stepped up, converted and capped off another scintillating display with a goal – ensuring City were victorious in both legs.
The young Blues will now face Chelsea over two legs, in what will be a repeat of the 2008 FA Youth Cup final. Such an achievement should not be overlooked and would prove to be the crowning jewel in a terrific season for this talented team.
