Leicester City's fantastic cup run came to an end versus Everton in the 5th Round last weekend. The game was set to be a big test for the City youngsters who had to take on the Cup's second favourites at home. It was a great turn out at Blaby Scout HQ with over 300 people watching and when the game kicked off it started at a high tempo. City battled hard all over the pitch and the early pressure was in City's half. Some good moves by Jody Handley on the right wing generated a few corners for Everton early on which City had to defend well. GOalkeeper Laura Niblett was in top form showing her strength and presence picking the ball out of the air on a few occasions.

CIty's Rachel Williams also was on hand to head clear. After taking City a while to settle they gradually started to play more football and WIlliams also had a chance from range which Danielle Hill in the Everton goal held comfortably. After a good build up again down the right by Everton they were forced to play inside where Jill Scott found a bit of space to hit a stunning shot from 35 yards which smashed the crossbar and came back out for City's Lauren Impey to clear. A challenge in the Everton final third after City tried to catch Everton on the break saw an unfortunate injury to Fern Whelan England U19 star which saw her taken to hospital. The game continued after a short break and just before half time Everton managed to convert one of their corners with a Jody Handley header.

After the break the game carried on in the same vain and City still trying to break Everton down managed to play a through ball for Zira Handley that was well collected by Danielle Hill. Everton's best play of the match saw movement down the left side with a cross along the floor which Jill Scott converted by sliding in to touch it in the far post. To City's credit they picked up quickly and went for it pushing more players higher up the pitch trying to ge something out of the game with 20 minutes to go. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk was introduced and injected a bit more pace up top. The midfield 3 of Williams,

Captain Remi Allen and Hannah Barrett pushed on and managed to set both Handley and Natasha Meade in good positions for half chances but City couldn't convert. Everton then caught City on the break and gained a corner which Jody Handley again converted to make it 3. City kept battling to the end and showed tremendous character and almost got a goal from an explosive run by Williams. The game ended 3 - 0 and City did themselves proud against a team 2 divisions higher and were glad of the opportunity to really test themselves against a top quality Premier League side. Although its the end of this years FA Cup run City have still got their sights firmly set on the treble this year and will take on Leafield in the League Cup this Sunday 1.00pm Kick off at Blaby Scout HQ.

Squad - Laura Niblett, Leah Rawle, Caz Toone, Jade Radburn, Lauren Impey, Rachel Williams, Remi Allen (C), Hannah Barrett, Kara Frederick, Zira Handley, Natasha Meade, Kath Glass, Katy Morris, Sophie Le Gros, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Lekeisha Gumbs.

Report By Rehanne Skinner