Leicester 3-1 Derby (AET)

Wilfred Ndidi and Demarai Gray wonder strikes seal extra-time win for Foxes

Cheers at the start of the night for Claudio Ranieri and something approaching a hero’s reception at the end of a thrilling and deserved victory over local rivals.

This was a good night for the Leicester City manager — capped off by a terrific goal from Demarai Gray — even if some will argue it was not a good night for the credibility of the FA Cup.

First to Ranieri. A day after public support from Leicester’s owner, the Italian received likewise from the rank and file. Five minutes in to what amounted to a fourth-round replay between two reserve teams, the home crowd stood to show their appreciation for the man who realised their Premier League dream last season.

Too much of modern football is pre-planned and orchestrated. Pre-match music, fireworks, men in the centre circle with hunting horns. All very well if it keeps the TV companies and the children happy.

What matters most, though, hasn’t changed. Supporters can get managers sacked. Equally, they can still the directors’ hands as they reach for the panic button.

So as Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha watched this nervy but eminently watchful game in the King Power Stadium, he will have noticed the love for Ranieri that still exists.

Is it mirrored by the Leicester players? We will find out more at Swansea on Sunday. Unfortunately, few of those that really matter played here as Leicester eventually saw off Derby with two brilliant goals from Wilfred Ndidi and the superb Gray in extra-time.

With Leicester making 10 changes from Sunday and Steve McClaren’s team from the Championship featuring eight, it would be interesting to know what visiting royalty from the FA made of it. Both chief executive Martin Glenn and chairman Greg Clarke were here.

As it turned out, it was a perfectly decent game and a personal view is that this not an occasion to berate Ranieri and McClaren.

Plenty will and it is understandable. There are too many games in this competition now played between weak teams. One day something will give and it was probably be the removal of replays from the calendar. A sad day that will be.