Leicester overcome resilient Brentford

Leicester City booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s fourth minute strike.

Brentford named a second string side with an eye on Tuesday’s clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest. Leicester also named a much changed team, nevertheless, a strong one with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Ayoze Perez and Caglar Soyuncu all involved.

Leicester came out of the blocks very quickly and nearly took the lead after just 15 seconds. Perez went through on goal and rounded Brentford keeper Luke Daniels just to be denied by a last ditch tackle by Luka Racic. The foxes continued to dominate and took the lead in the fourth minute. Dennis Praet’s split-open pass found James Justin whose low driven cross into the back post was slammed home by the in-form Kelechi Iheanacho for his seventh goal of the season.

Demarai Gray’s low driven shot from a short free-kick hit the side netting in the ninth minute and that was followed by a minute’s applause for the father of Said Benrahma who passed away earlier in the week.

Brentford settled into the game and their first effort at goal came in the 16th minute. Emiliano Marcondes’ effort hit the side netting after some excellent build-up. The Bees had another chance at goal four minutes but Halil Dervisoglu’s curling effort went wide of the target. Leicester nearly doubled lead at the stroke of half-time. Iheanacho went on a solo run from the half-way line and found Perez who’s powerful effort was saved by the impressive Daniels.

The hosts came out with more intent in the second half, dominating much of the ball with Leicester looking to hit them on the counter. Joel Valencia’s powerful effort went well wide of the goal and out for a throw five minutes after the interval.

The game went off the boil with a lack of chances from either side. The Bees nearly equalised in the 63rd minute. Marcondes’ cross was flicked into the post and cleared away by Christian Fuchs. Brentford went close again 20 minutes later. Racic’s powerful effort was follow by a saved from Danny Ward. Bryan Mbuemo found the net seconds later but it was ruled out for offside.

The foxes stubborn defence held on for a vital win as they progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.