Foxes sweep past Robins

Sturridge: Heads home his first

Leicester 3-0 Bristol City

Leicester City swept into the last eight of the FA Cup with an accomplished win over Second Division outfit Bristol City at Filbert Street.

Although it was not a victory of vintage proportions, it was a defiant display from a side who proved only last year that they more than capable of getting their name on a cup.

Dean Sturridge set Leicester on their way with an early header, before an unfortunate own goal by City defender Matthew Hill put the hosts in control.

Muzzy Izzett killed off the tie in the 83th minute after the hapless Hill completed a miserable day by handballing in his own area.

  Key moments

10 mins: Sturridge fires Foxes ahead

15 mins: Hill concedes own goal

24 mins: Matt Elliott booked

43 mins: Royce saves well from Hill

55 mins: Akinbiyi denied by Phillips

77 mins: Tinnion hits the post again

80 mins: Peacock shot well saved

83 mins: Izzet bags penalty

City matched Leicester stride for stride in a rather sluggish second half.

They can take heart from their cup exploits when they return to their Second Division play-off challenge next week.

Steve Guppy, who seemed back to his best in this match, was the chief architect for Leicester.

The winger took the visitor's defence by surprise by sending over a curling a 10th minute free-kick from a short corner.

The cross was the perfect height for Sturridge who headed in imperiously at the far post after the ball had evaded Louis Carey.

Peter Taylor's side nearly allowed the Second Division outfit back into the game, conceding a free kick on the edge of their area.

Brian Tinnion, who possesses one of the sweetest shots in the Nationwide League, thundered a splendid effort which came crashing back off the bar.

Sturridge: First goal at Filbert Street

But the Foxes soon moved two in front. This time the goal owed more to City's wretched luck than Leicester's potency.

Turkish international Izzett sent another dangerous ball into area and under heavy pressure from Sturridge, the ball cannoned off Hill into the back of the net.

The hosts had a number of chances to increase their advantage before the interval.

Guppy fired a free kick inches wide, Akinbiyi should headed home and even the lively Sturridge added to the catalogue of profligacy.

City contributed much to the game without actually creating too many chances, although both Thorpe and Murray went close.

Luckless

The Robins looked more purposeful in the second half but had Steve Phillips to thank for two spectacular saves as Leicester countered.

The result flattered Leicester

  Danny Wilson

First Akinbiyi, playing against his former club, was denied at point blank range by the keeper.

Then Matt Elliott sent a volley goalwards but Phillips somehow stopped the ball crossing the line with a spectacular save to his left.

City's woe was compete when Izzet stroked home a late penalty.

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Leicester: Royce, Sinclair, Guppy, Rowett, Davidson, Elliott, Jones, Savage, Izzet, Akinbiyi, Sturridge. Subs: Flowers, Delaney, Oakes, Gunnlaugsson, Benjamin.

Bristol City: Phillips, Murray, Bell, Carey, Hill, Millen, Clist, Tinnion, Aaron Brown, Peacock, Thorpe. Subs: Beadle, Burnell, Goodridge, Amankwaah, Malessa.

Referee: P Durkin (Dorset)