Quick Read
- Leicester City defeated Cheltenham Town 2-0 in the FA Cup third round on January 10, 2026.
- Patson Daka scored his first FA Cup goal, opening the scoring for Leicester City.
- Stephy Mavididi doubled Leicester’s lead with a solo effort just before halftime.
- Leicester City, a Championship club, made eight changes but maintained control against League Two Cheltenham.
- Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill praised his team’s effort despite the class difference.
The magic of the FA Cup, that timeless narrative of giants clashing with underdogs, played out once again on January 10, 2026, as Championship powerhouse Leicester City traveled to Gloucestershire to face League Two side Cheltenham Town. While the romantic ideal often features stunning upsets, this particular encounter saw Leicester City assert their dominance with a professional 2-0 victory, securing their spot in the fourth round of the prestigious competition. Despite the clear difference in league stature, Cheltenham offered moments of spirited resistance, reminding onlookers why the FA Cup continues to captivate.
From the outset, the stage was set for a classic David vs. Goliath contest, though one where David would need to perform miracles. Leicester City, currently enjoying a strong season in the Championship, arrived with a squad brimming with talent, even after making eight changes to their starting lineup. This depth allowed them to field hugely experienced players like former Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Denmark international Jannik Vestergaard, and Zambia striker Patson Daka, who had recently spearheaded his national team’s attack at the Africa Cup of Nations in December. For Cheltenham Town, a side 54 places below Leicester in the English football pyramid, this was an opportunity to test their mettle against a team that, just last season, was battling in the Premier League.
Daka Breaks His FA Cup Duck as Foxes Take Control
The breakthrough for Leicester City came courtesy of Patson Daka, who netted his inaugural FA Cup goal, a significant personal milestone. Having joined the Foxes after their historic FA Cup triumph in 2021, it had taken the Zambian striker eight appearances across five campaigns to finally open his account in the competition. The goal arrived with precision, a curled finish that found the bottom corner of the net, following a clever flicked pass from former Juventus and Montpellier forward Stephy Mavididi on the edge of the box. This early strike, as reported by BBC Sport, settled any potential Leicester nerves and gave them a deserved lead.
Leicester’s control deepened just before the halftime whistle. Stephy Mavididi, already instrumental in the opener, turned goalscorer himself. Demonstrating impressive individual skill, Mavididi shimmied into the box from the left touchline, creating space for himself before unleashing a well-placed finish that doubled Leicester’s advantage. This two-goal cushion provided a comfortable buffer as the teams headed into the break, reflecting the visitors’ quality and clinical edge in front of goal.
Cheltenham’s Resilience and Managerial Reflections
Despite being 2-0 down, Cheltenham Town refused to capitulate. While their attacking opportunities were limited against their highly-fancied opponents, they did manage to carve out a few notable moments. Robbie Cundy sent a header over the bar, and Jordan Thomas tested Leicester’s veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on two occasions, once with a chipped attempt early in the second half and again with another effort that demanded a save. These were glimpses of what Cheltenham could offer, moments that, had they gone in, could have injected a different dynamic into the tie.
Post-match, Cheltenham Town boss Steve Cotterill spoke candidly to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, acknowledging the disparity in quality. ‘They tried their best, didn’t they? Sometimes they [the opposition] have just got polished players, that when it comes to the finer moments they can get out of them and they have answers to them,’ Cotterill remarked. He expressed disappointment with the goals conceded, stating they would be equally frustrating in their own league, but was quick to praise his team’s unwavering effort and commitment. ‘We had to try play our way into the game and then hope when we had those moments and we did have some good moments today that one of them went in for us. That would have given us another spring in our step, a little bit more belief, because they are a good team with players that were in the Premier League last season.’
On the Leicester side, manager Marti Cifuentes echoed a sentiment of satisfaction with his team’s performance. Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, Cifuentes described it as a ‘professional performance.’ He credited Cheltenham for making it challenging but highlighted the importance of securing back-to-back wins and maintaining a clean sheet. ‘I’m pleased with the guys because we made some changes with players that have been training well and who deserved an opportunity. For them to show up today was important and all of them did a good job,’ he stated. Cifuentes also underscored the significance of the FA Cup for Leicester, acknowledging the club’s rich history in the competition and expressing a desire to go ‘as far as we can this season.’
The Broader FA Cup Landscape and What Lies Ahead
This match was just one of many thrilling encounters in the FA Cup third round, a weekend that saw upsets and dramatic finishes across the country. As reported by The Independent, the third round featured eight matches shown across the BBC and TNT Sports, with many more available to stream on discovery+. Non-league Macclesfield’s stunning victory over FA Cup holders Crystal Palace was a testament to the competition’s unpredictable nature, demonstrating that while Leicester’s victory was expected, the cup still held its surprises elsewhere.
For Leicester City, the win against Cheltenham Town was a crucial step in their season, maintaining momentum and offering valuable minutes to squad players. It was a testament to their depth and the professional approach instilled by Cifuentes. The focus now shifts to the fourth-round draw, which was scheduled to be conducted live by TNT Sports before Liverpool hosted Barnsley on Monday, January 12, 2026. For Cheltenham, despite the loss, the experience of facing a high-caliber opponent in a prestigious competition like the FA Cup provides invaluable lessons and a memorable day for their fans.
Ultimately, the FA Cup continues to be a captivating spectacle, blending the sheer power of top-tier football with the raw passion of lower-league clubs. While the outcome of the Cheltenham-Leicester tie might have been predictable on paper, the effort, the individual moments of brilliance, and the managerial insights offered a compelling narrative. It’s a competition where every goal, every save, and every tactical decision contributes to a tapestry of footballing drama that transcends league standings.
The encounter between Cheltenham Town and Leicester City, while not a classic upset, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the FA Cup: a demonstration of professional excellence by the higher-ranked side, met with unwavering determination from the underdog, reminding us that even in expected outcomes, the contest itself holds intrinsic value and provides a crucial platform for both established stars and aspiring talents.