Impressive City seal ticket through to the FA Youth Cup fourth round

On a bitterly cold night at the Academy Stadium, Dickson’s 42nd minute opener had handed Ben Wilkinson’s side a deserved lead at the break.

And though Rovers sought to summon up a reply early in the second half, the introduction of Heskey from the bench saw  City go on to clinch victory with the striker claiming two goals inside a minute late in the second half to seal the deal.

What happened

The Arctic weather saw the temperature gauge dip below freezing even as the teams took to the field at the Academy Stadium.

A bizarre early hold up saw referee Jordan Crossley and the linesman forced to change shirts from black to yellow to avoid a colour clash with the Rovers players.

But after that the action soon hotted up despite the bone numbing December chill.

Rovers’ Dominik Biniek was the first to threaten with a ninth minute 25-yard free kick which whistled wide of the post.

City responded in kind on 15 minutes as a superb Tom Galvez ball put Joel Ndala in behind the Rovers defence. The winger homed in on goal but saw his 12-yard shot saved by Blackburn keeper William Blease.

Then danger man Biniek drove at the City backline before putting in the unmarked Adam Caddick and it needed some smart work from Jadel Katongo to keep out his goalbound shot.

Nico O’Reilly was the next to test the reflexes of the Rovers keeper before City stormed forward again on 19 minutes through skipper Rico Lewis.

The full-back released the overlapping Emilio Lawrence but the teenager’s low shot arrowed wide of the target.

Another driving City attack saw Ndala pepper the Rovers goal with a low 24th minute drive which skirted the wrong side of the target.

The Rovers goal again led a charmed life on 35 minutes as a deflected Matty Whittingham effort bobbled up invitingly for O’Reilly.

Unfortunately, his goal bound header just lacked the necessary purchase and the visitors were able to clear their lines once more.

Finally, however the City pressure told on 41 minutes.

Another lightning break saw Galvez carved out the initial opening, with the ball skidding into the box to find Dickson six yards out.

Though his initial effort was blocked, the striker had the presence of mind to swivel around and fire home to break the deadlock.

Rovers came out revived after the break as they sought an equaliser and there was a scare for City when Biniek arrowed a close range shot just inches wide on 58 minutes after cutting in from the left side of the box.

There was then a lengthy delay after an injury to Biniek which saw the Rovers youngster stretchered off after receiving extensive treatment on the pitch.

And it was City who regrouped to claim the all-important second goal of the night, thanks to substitute Heskey.

The son of former England star Emile, the youngster showed great presence of mind after Lawrence’s initial 78th minute effort had been parried, turning and finding the target from a narrow angle.

And Heskey was there again within 60 seconds to put the tie beyond all doubt, rifling home a fine low shot from Lawrence’s assist.

Lawrence then saw an injury time shot hit the post as City rounded off what was a solid night’s work.

How we lined up

George Murray-Jones was in goal and shielded by a back four of skipper Rico Lewis, Max Alleyne, Jadel Katongo and Tomas Galvez.

Isaiah Dada-Mascoll, Emilio Lawrence and Nico O’Reilly lined up in midfield with Will Dickson, Matty Whittingham and Joel Ndala forming our attacking trident.

Subs: Samuel (Dada-Mascoll 74), Grant, Wright (Lewis 88), Harrison, Alfa-Ruprecht, Heskey (Dickson 72), Oboavwoduo

What it means

The victory means City take our place in the fourth round with Ben Wilkinson’s side having another home tie to look forward to.

We will now play Brighton and Hove Albion here at the Academy Stadium.

The fourth round ties are due to be completed before the weekend of January 21/22.

What’s next

The City Under-18s now go on a break for the festive period.

Ben Wilkinson’s youngsters will return to action on Saturday, January 7 when we play host to Newcastle United in the Under-18 Premier League North.

Kick-of at CFA will be at 12.30pm (UK).