Barradell: Movement & Quality Underpinned FA Youth Cup Victory
- Leicester City's Under-18s were 5-0 victors over Sheffield Wednesday Under-18s at LCFC Training Ground
- The young Foxes have progressed into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup
- The manner of the performance delighted coach Adam Barradell, particularly in the first half
- Kian Pennant and Wanya Madivadua both scored twice, either side of Ethan Fitzhugh's strike
The cup clash saw Leicester's youngsters take on Sheffield Wednesday Under-18s at LCFC Training Ground in Seagrave, with the home side coming out on top in the tie.
Wanya Madivadua grabbed the first goal of the evening on six minutes, and from that point onwards, it was a dominant display from City, who went into the break three goals to the good.
Following strikes from Kian Pennant and Ethan Fitzhugh, Madivadua netted a second before Pennant also competed his brace, rounding off an excellent evening for the young Foxes.
"It was an outstanding performance from the boys, especially in the first half," Barradell told LCFC.com. "In that first 45 minutes, there was some excellent football played.
"Some of the movement, some of the quality in our passing and obviously the goals were great, but then, in second half, we dropped off a little bit.
"We still managed to create and score goals though. It's a fantastic performance from everyone and I'm sure the staff and players are buzzing with that."
Goalkeeper Chituru Odunze had to make some important saves in the second half to preserve the clean sheet, which was Leicester's second shutout in three games and the defensive aspect of the performance was just as satisfying for Barradell.
"It settles the nerves on an occasion like this," he admitted, referencing the first goal. "After the first 15 or 20 minutes, we got into the rhythm of our passing and we were very, very good.
"I was delighted with certain individuals and the team. Obviously, the boys who get the goals get the accolades but certainly, as a team performance, I was absolutely delighted.
"At times we needed to defend well, I think Harvey [Godsmark-Ford] made a block on the line as well, so there was certainly some defensive actions and the boys did well to keep that clean sheet.
"That was important, we said at half-time that we want to get that clean sheet and we're delighted with it as a group."
The young Foxes will return to league action, taking on Brighton & Hove Albion Under-18s at home on Saturday (1pm GMT kick-off), looking to continue a five-game unbeaten run, before facing Exeter City Under-18s away from home in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
Barradell added: "Similarly to this game, we'll do meticulous work on the opposition (Exeter) and see how they play, but we'll focus on ourselves and how we play and our style of play. We'll look to continue that going forward.
"Having the opportunity to play at this facility in Seagrave has given everyone a lift. To come back after Christmas and play here, it gives everyone a lift, staff and players, and I think the boys have shown that."