Categories: FA CupLeicester CityMillwall

Leicester Out-Fox Lions in FA Cup

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Ricardo Pereira of Leicester City is tackled by Billy Mitchell of Millwall during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Millwall and Leicester City at The Den on January 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca’s Leicester City side progressed into the FA Cup 4th Round with a 3-2 win away at fellow Championship outfit Millwall.

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Seven changes were made by the visitors who sit aloft England’s second tier, but that did not prevent them from taking an early lead in this clash with the South East London side.

Premier League winner Marc Albrighton, making his first start since the Carabao Cup game with Liverpool in September, delivered a tantalising ball to the back post where Chelsea loanee Cesare Casadei rose highest to head home.

The young Italian midfielder then turned provider just before half time as he slipped a ball through to Ricardo Pereira who had made a foray forward, allowing the Portuguese full back to squeeze an effort past Matija Sarkic hard and low.

After conceding a second before the break, it was imperative for Millwall to score first in the second half, and they did just that when Duncan Watmore directed home a Zian Flemming header.

Watmore, the former Sunderland and Middlesbrough player, proved to be the most productive player for the hosts, frequently demanding the ball and manufacturing openings for his side.

It was, however, a defensive lapse that allowed Leicester to restore their two goal cushion, when a long ball forward from Callum Doyle completely evaded the two Millwall centre halves, sending Tom Cannon clean through.

Prior to New Year’s Day, the 21-year-old signed by Enzo Maresca from Everton in the summer had yet to score for the club. But after Sarkic came charging out 15 yards out of his box and missed the ball, Cannon’s decision was made for him as he slotted into the empty net for his third goal in six days.

Millwall did get one back late on courtesy of a smart first time finish from Zian Flemming, but the visitors held on and progress into the last 32.

Joe Edwards’ side will now have full focus on their Championship campaign, starting back at the Den against Middlesbrough.

Leicester await the discovery of their 4th Round opponents, but will next make the short trip to face Coventry City in another early kick off in the Championship.