Final Third Development League Digest

It was a quiet but significant week in the Final Third Development League Cup, as the only fixture of the past seven days saw Leicester City become the first team to progress into the Semi-Finals.

The Foxes hosted Shrewsbury Town at the Ricoh Arena on Wednesday 29th January and fans were treated to free entry in addition to six goals with Leicester running out 5-1 winners.

Both teams opted to field youthful sides, and it was the hosts who raced into a 3-0 lead. Harry Panayioutou, Jacob Blyth and Adam Dawson were the scorers with Blyth grabbing two assists, before Ryan Hickman replied for the visitors. A late brace from Joe Dodoo ensured all three points for Leicester, who now qualify for the last four as Group A winners.

With that result, they finish the group stages on maximum points, having scored 13 goals and conceded just once.

The other three teams to advance will be the winners of Group B and Group C and the best runner-up from either of those groups.

A draw will take place for the Semi-Finals with matches played at the home team’s ground in a one-legged game. In the event of a tie after 90 minutes, the fixtures will go straight to penalties.

With nine of the 10 remaining teams able to join Leicester, it’s still all to play for when the competition continues next week.

Sheffield Wednesday face Mansfield Town and Hartlepool United take on Rotherham United in Group B, while Wigan Athletic host Carlisle United in Group C. Port Vale meet Doncaster Rovers in the final Group A fixture, with both teams already out of the Cup.

In the West Division of the league, fifth-placed Morecambe play Wrexham, who are fourth. There are no games in the East Division – Hull City still lead the way, a point ahead of Mansfield Town.

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