Academy Leicester City 5 Crewe 3

[Steven]

http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/011212-u18s-city-5-crewe-3-519687.aspx

First-year scholar Simonas Stankevicius scored a hat-trick for City’s Under-18s, as the young Foxes held off resurgent Crewe Alexandra in an entertaining 5-3 victory at Belvoir Drive.
The visiting Alex trailed 2-0 and 3-2 at different stages of an action-packed game, but fought back on both occasions to level the scores and truly test the resolve of City’s youngsters.

But the hosts eventually gave themselves the breathing space to fight off the challenge of their spirited visitors towards the end, making it back-to-back wins from their final two league games of 2012.

Stankevicius, a 16-year-old forward who has already represented Lithuania at Under-19 level, opened the scoring for the Foxes before young professional Joe Dodoo added a second.

Stankevicius’ second of the game edged the hosts back in front following Crewe’s initial fight-back, but the Railwaymen refused to lie down and levelled once more to leave the game poised at 3-3.

With the match up for grabs and both sides going for the win, it was City that eventually pulled clear – Herve Pepe N’Goma putting the hosts back in front before Stankevicius completed his hat-trick.

“It was a very pleasing win and a good performance in terms of our ball retention against what has always been a very strong academy in Crewe Alexandra,” said Academy Director Jon Rudkin.

“We talk often about 2-0 being a dangerous score-line because of how momentum can shift depending on who scores the next goal. We gave them a lifeline at 2-1 and then Crewe managed to level the scores.

“But the group have shown real resilience with their work rate, attitude and ethic to keep going consistently this season and were well-rewarded with two very fine goals that secured the win.

“A hat-trick was also very pleasing for young Simonas, a first year scholar who has only been with the Club for six months. It was a just reward for his hard work so far this season.”

 

[Graz]

Could cause a few problems for people on here if makes it Simonas Stankevicius into the first team squad!

Never seem to hear as much about the Academy these days. Every time I read a match report now, it seems to be filled with players not heard much about. A few years ago when we had Gradel, Chambers in there etc, there seemed to be a lot more talk about those players.

Anyone know who the ones to look out for from the current crop are?
Even Harry Panayatiou (sp?) seems to have had little mention since last season after making his debut.