Kelechi Iheanacho took advantage of a slow Brentford start as Leicester reach fifth round of the FA Cup.

After a goalless midweek draw at Huddersfield, Thomas Frank’s Brentford returned to Griffin Park in a FA cup 4th round tie against Leicester.

Still in the changing rooms

The Bees were looking to reach the 5th round of the competition in back-to-back seasons for only the second time in their history.

Both sides made nine changes to their sides after their midweek action, in what was a weakened team for both sides. The Bees fielded a youthful side which included six players under the age of 21.

Brentford started the game slowly and were punished by the visitors early on. Kelechi Iheanacho duly converted a cross from full-back James Justin after a great piece of play from Dennis Praet in the 4th minute.

The hosts slowly grew into the game and looked dangerous on the counter attack, but they failed to take advantage of their chances.

The home sides best opportunity of the first half fell to Halil Dervisoglu. After a counter attack, the ball landed to the striker who shot narrowly wide.

It was too easy at times for Leicester, who should have doubled their lead when Ayoze Perez was played through on goal by Iheanacho with only the keeper to beat, but Luke Daniels made a good save to prevent the Spaniard from scoring.

The Bees fight back

The hosts came out from the interval in fighting spirits, looking to preserve their cup status.

The Bees were unlucky not to equalise in the 62nd minute when Emiliano Marcondes’ cross hit the post.

Brentford continued to apply pressure as they looked for the all-important equaliser. Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward was forced into a fantastic save to deny Luka Radic’s volley from a corner in the 83rd minute.

With only a few minutes to go, the home side thought they had scored after a cross was eventually turned in by Bryan Mbuemo, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Final FA Cup tie at Griffin Park

Today’s game was an emotional farewell for the FA Cup football at Griffin Park. The ground had hosted FA Cup football since 1904, however the Bees next home cup tie will be played at their new stadium. The new state of the art Brentford Community stadium is less than a mile down the road and will open its doors for the 2020-21 season.

Man of the match- Emiliano Marcondes (Brentford)

Teams:

Brentford: Daniels, Roerslev, Jeanvier, Racic, Thompson (Henry 77), Yearwood, Mokotjo (Dasilva), Marcondes, Zamburek, Valencia (Mbeumo 82), Dervisoglu,; SUBS: Gunnarsson, Henry, Pinnock, Nørgaard, Dasilva, Mbeumo, Hammar. (4-3-3).

Leicester: Ward, Justin, Morgan, Söyüncu, Fuchs, Choudhury, Praet, Gray (Maddison 78), Albrighton, Pérex, Iheanacho (Dewsbury-Hall 68); SUBS: Schmeichel, Ricardo, Evans, Dewsbury-Hall, Tielemans, Maddison, Barnes. (4-2-3-1).

Attendance: 12,221