Leicester City beat Oxford City 4-2 in the FA Cup first round, while Stafford Rangers beat Gateshead 5-0. Leicester therefore advanced in the competition, while Stafford Rangers’ victory came on 7 November.
Leicester’s goals
Leicester City are a League One side, while Oxford City are a National League North outfit. Louis Page scored in the 16th minute with his first senior Leicester goal. Scott Pollock scored directly from a corner on the half-hour mark to level the match. Emil Riis and Kamari Doyle put Leicester 3-1 ahead after the break. Oxford captain Josh Ashby scored, before Tom Watson scored with 10 minutes to go.
Martin’s assessment
Russell Martin, who was under pressure before a recent upturn in form, said: “I’m annoyed we conceded two goals, it’s my job to be annoyed about that. I thought we played some really good football. After we scored we took our foot off the gas a little bit. I have to give credit to Oxford City. They’ve got a good thing going here. They had a spell and they scored from it. I really enjoyed the second half performance. Harry was brilliant when he came on as were the other subs. It took a big group effort tonight. We scored four goals, probably could have scored a couple more, and we’re through which is the most important thing.”
Pollock’s corner
Pollock got a dream goal against his boyhood club and felt the Hoops acquitted themselves well against Football League opposition. He said: “We weren’t disgraced. We gave a good account of ourselves. They changed shape in the second half which showed we equipped ourselves well. I meant it, of course! I’ve been trying it all season and said I’d get one from a corner this season and luckily it was today. Fitness levels showed a bit in that second half. We thought we might get a chance to make it 3-3 to take it to extra-time and pens, but their quality showed in the last 20 minutes.”
Stafford Rangers’ victory
Stafford Rangers players had a dressing-room reaction following the 5-0 victory over Gateshead, according to Stafford Rangers.
