Gradel leads U18's to runner-up

Leicester City Under 18's recorded a 5-2 win, their ninth victory in 12 unbeaten games since January to take the Premier Academy League Group B title to the wire at the Walkers this morning.

Two brilliant goals from right winger Max Gradel and further goals from Ashley Chambers (pictured), Louis Dodds and substitute Ryan Beswick made up city's tally in an entertaining match against MK Dons.

Indeed, Gradel's second goal, a spectacularly executed overhead kick, must have been a competitor for the Academy's goal of the season.

Leicester needed league leaders Aston Villa to have lost their last fixture to have taken the title but sadly it wasn't to be although City clinched the runner-up spot by a distance.

Gradel gave notice of what was to come with a brilliant dribble and right wing cross to the far post which was volleyed back across goal by Levi Porter for Chambers to head in on eight minutes.

Dons responded with two goals before half-time from Tom Battams but City levelled within a minute of the restart in what was to prove an overwhelming second half display of attacking football.

A clever one-two between Gradel and Chambers opened the Dons defence for Gradel to finish clinically.

Odihiambo then had a shot charged down and Andy King's follow up brought an outstanding save from the Dons keeper before successive long range efforts from Levi Porter and Ashley Chambers clattered the visitors woodwork.

Eventually Gradel's sensational overhead kick gave Leicester the lead before Louis Dodds headed a fourth into the top corner of the net and Ryan Beswick came on the grab a fifth City goal.

CITY: Pentney, Magunda (Beswick 76), Franklin, Lycett, Wykes, Gradel, King, Odhiambo (McKay 82), Porter, Dodds, Chambers

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