Russell Martin relieved as Leicester avoid early FA Cup upset at Oxford

Russell Martin was a relieved man after his Leicester City side avoided a FA Cup first-round upset with a 4-2 victory at sixth-tier Oxford City.

Three second-half goals did the damage as the League One Foxes, the 2021 winners, eventually saw off the National League North outfit.

Scott Pollock cancelled out Louis Page’s opener in the first half.

Emil Riis and Kamari Doyle made it 3-1 before skipper Josh Ashby hauled one back, but Tom Watson secured safe passage into the second round.

And 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 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 don’t think we can have any complaints really.

“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.”