Dodds makes it a double delight

It became a double celebration day when goals by Louis Dodds (2) and Andy King steered Leicester City into the Westerby Cup final tonight following club manager Rob Kelly’s Coca-Cola Championship manager of the month award earlier.

In blustery wind and intermittent rain, Conrad Logan made one terrific save from Barwell’s Dave Hart before Leicester took an early lead.

Lee Morris was fouled on the left edge of the box and Dodds curled a perfect free-kick around Barwell ‘keeper Dave Sharpe into the corner of the net.

Dodds and Porter then combined to give Morris an excellent chance which was blocked and the same player had a close range header saved by Sharpe after a Dodds cross.

Barwell’s height and ability to get down the flanks caused Leicester trouble, particularly in the second half, and several opportunities were wasted before Leicester added a second goal 12 minutes from time.

The ball was worked down the right flank and the resulting low cross from Max Gradel was turned in by Andy King from close range.

Morris again missed an excellent opportunity after robbing a Barwell defender near the penalty box and shooting wide when clear through.

But the game was finally settled by a Louis Dodds penalty after Morris had been clumsily and unnecessarily fouled.

Dodds’ fiercely hit spot kick was parried by goalkeeper Sharpe but he had little chance to hold the ball and Dodds followed up to net the rebound.

It was never vintage Leicester. Their passing game was frustrated by the conditions, and some determined Barwell tackling.

But, once more Levi Porter orchestrated most of Leicester’s best moves by keeping the ball on the ground and timing some telling balls to perfection.

Morris completed a good workout and while failing to get on the scoresheet, was a constant threat with his trickery and movement.

Dodds, as well as his goals, chipped another excellent chance over the Barwell bar when clear and also whipped two further free kicks inches over the bar.

City will now meet Coalville Town in the final on May 9.

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