Iheanacho ends long final wait

LEICESTER are through to their first FA Cup final since 1969 after Kelechi Iheanacho edged Brendan Rodgers’ side past Southampton on a night when thousands of spectators returned to Wembley.

After Chelsea overcame Manchester City in front of empty stands on Saturday, the following evening saw 4,000 local residents, including key workers, make up England’s biggest crowd for 13 months.

A number of Leicester and Southampton fans were among those at the semi-final, with in-form Iheanacho settling the tie by slotting home early in the second half.

There is expected to be 21,000 in attendance – including far more supporters – when the Foxes return to Wembley on May 15 to take on Chelsea looking to win their first FA Cup.

Jamie Vardy, who wasted the best chance of the opening period, got free down the left and crossed for in-form Iheanacho, whose poor first effort kindly deflected back to him and he slotted home.

Leicester boss Rodgers said on BT Sport: “It’s amazing. The club have been waiting a long time to get to the final.

“I thought we deserved it. We defended strongly and didn’t concede any efforts on goal.

“As the game wore on we looked really bright.”