Academy Manager Jim Cassell is delighted with the Under 18s' win over Reading in the FA Youth Cup.

A Danny Sturridge hat trick saw the Blues through to a 3-1 win after they had fallen behind early on, but Jim is keen to highlight performances throughout the side.

“It was an excellent performance because we were made to work really hard by Reading. It was a terrific result and there were superb displays throughout the side, Ben Kay was outstanding, as was Scott Kay and of course Danny was the icing on the cake,” says Jim.

“There should be a special word for goal keeper Greg Hartley, who has come in for Filip Mentel and has done extremely well. I’d also like to thank everyone at Reading for looking after us so well, everything behind the scenes was superbly organised and I wish them well for the future.”

City are now through to the fifth round and will travel away once again as they bid to make to the quarter finals.

Jim continues, “We know we are going to be away to Bristol City but there’s no date set as yet. It will be another tough test, but after a result like the one at Reading we should be very confident.”