Manager Michael Flynn was pleased with Newport County's progression to the semi-finals of the Leasing.Com Trophy, but was also full of admiration for the opposition.
A 13th minute strike from Scot Bennett was enough to see off a spirited Leicester City U21 side, with a home tie with Salford now standing in County’s way of a return to Wembley.
County had the better of the first half, with Leicester growing into the game after the break. On the performance, Flynn said, “I’m delighted, the win was the important thing.
“First half especially, I thought we played a lot of good football. We had some chances but obviously couldn’t convert them.”
Flynn also gave the Young Foxes plenty of praise after the tight match, “I want to give a lot of credit to Leicester, and to their coach, Steve. I thought second half they were the better team.
“They’ve lost four players in the window out to loans, and it goes to show what a fantastic job they’re doing at Leicester in teaching them the right way to play mens football.
“The important thing was to get through and I’m delighted with that, but I couldn’t stand here and not give a lot of credit to Leicester.”
The victory sets up a home semi-final with Salford City, who currently sit just one point and one place above the Exiles in the League Two table.
Flynn stated, “It’s going to be a very very difficult game against Salford, who’ll be thinking they’ve got a good chance as well. It’ll be a very evenly matched game and hopefully we come out on top.
“They’ve brought in some very good footballers at this level. They’ve got a very good manager in Graham and a number two in Chris Lucketti, so they’ll be wanting to go to Wembley.
“We’re going to have to be at the top of our game for 90 minutes.”