Leicester City have edged out League Two side Gillingham by a 1-0 scoreline in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon.
Kelechi Iheanacho netted the only goal of the game at the Priestfield Stadium, his 16th strike in the competition, to ease the pressure on Brendan Rodgers after a poor run of form in the Premier League.
On the back of three successive defeats, Rodgers opted to make widespread changes to his Leicester XI, handing opportunities to Under-21 players Lewis Brunt and Kasey McAteer.
However, the team remained full of quality names, with Youri Tielemans taking his spot in midfield and Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy lining up in attack.
Gillingham have recent experience of playing Premier League opposition, holding Wolverhampton Wanderers for 77 minutes in the EFL Cup before eventually losing by a 2-0 scoreline.
The League Two outfit defied the gulf in class in this fixture, too, as they held their own during the opening 45 minutes, nullifying Leicester's attack while having their own moments on the break.
Kelechi Iheanacho loves the FA Cup! 🔥
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 7, 2023
His 16th goal in the competition puts Leicester ahead at Gillingham 🎯
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Nevertheless, the visitors were able to open the scoring in the 56th minute, Iheanacho firing into the top corner from close range after McAteer's shot from an acute angle had been partially blocked by goalkeeper Jake Turner.
While the East Midlands outfit had opportunities to double their lead, more onus was placed on trying to keep a much-needed clean sheet, Leicester's backline featuring players either lacking game time or senior experience.
Although pressure came from the home side at time, the visitors comfortably came through the closing stages to book their spot in the last 32.
Tottenham Hotspur were also far from their best in seeing off EFL opposition, a second-half goal from Harry Kane proving to be the difference against Portsmouth.
Darren Plant
