Leicestershire and Rutland reach FA County Youth Cup semis

A first-half goal from Oadby Town’s Daniel Page was enough to book Leicestershire and Rutland County FA Under 18s place in the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2006/07.

Page latched on to Ben Bradshaw’s excellent through ball before striking a low driven effort beyond the West Riding goalkeeper as the match approached half-time.

Leicestershire, who haven’t lifted the cup in 50 years, were the underdogs heading into the tie, played at Leeds, with the hosts unbeaten all season.

Manager Nimesh Patel said: “We played some excellent football. I’m proud of the team. They played for each other and the chemistry is improving with every game.

“The key now is to keep training as a team, improve on our tactics and take these cup performances into the league games we have before the semi-final.

“I’d like to think a lot of the counties will now be looking at Leicestershire as real contenders. We play with no fear.”

The FA County Cup semi-finals take place in March with other quarter-final ties still to be played next weekend.