Former Leicester City youngster steals FA Cup headlines as Foxes tie closer

Local non-league sides Harborough Town and Anstey Nomads progressed to the FA Cup fourth qualifying round over the weekend and are just one game away from potentially facing Leicester City.

Harborough, who play in the National League North after their remarkable rise in recent years, came from 2-0 down to beat St Albans City on Saturday afternoon. Former Foxes youngster Dempsey Arlott-John stole the headlines in front of 1,092 supporters with a dramatic hat-trick.

St Albans had been leading the cup tie after Mikey Faulkner's strike in first half injury time before Arlott-John equalised in the 84th minute. The attacker then made it 2-1 in the eighth minute of injury time, only for Inih Effiong to keep their dreams alive.

However, Arlott-John produced a moment of magic from kick-off with a looping effort over goalkeeper Sam Donkin. The 24-year-old came through Leicester's academy before being released in 2021. He has enjoyed spells in non-league with Tamworth, Rushall Olympic, Ilkeston Town and Harborough.

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Elsewhere, Conrad Logan's Anstey Nomads beat Gainsborough Trinity 3-2 away from home. The non-league side enjoyed a fine cup run in the FA Trophy last season, reaching the fourth round proper after beating Hartlepool Town on their way.

Their win over the weekend means they have equalled their furthest run in the competition since 2022. Nomads, who are managed by Logan and have David Nugent as part of their coaching team, went ahead through another ex-City academy player in Tristan Thomas just before half-time.

Gainsborough levelled the scoring before Tendai Chitiza restored their lead from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute. Tobias Liversidge made it 3-1 later on and they managed to keep the hosts at bay, despite a late consolation.

The two wins for the Leicestershire non-league sides mean that they are now just one game away from potentially drawing Leicester City in the FA Cup. The Foxes will play in the first round of the competition for the first time since 2008 due to their League One status.

Harborough will host National League North rivals Spennymoor Town in the FA Cup Fourth Round qualifying round. Anstey Nomads will travel to Macclesfield or Scarborough Athletic.

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