Blackburn Rovers youngsters were made to pay for a slow start as they were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the first attempt by Leicester City last night.

The home side got off to a flier with a goal in the fourth minute. Winger Robbie Burns taking Billy Kee's first-time ball and calmly placing his shot out of the reach of Andreas Arestidou.

It could have been worse for Rovers as Leicester dominated the opening exchanges. First Burns set up Kee, but the forward shot tamely at Arestidou from 15 yards. Ashley Chambers, the Leicester forward who made his full debut against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, then almost deflected the keeper's attempted clearance into the net.

Rovers began to settle after the early shock and Michael O'Connor went close with a drive from the edge of the area. Francis Zenaba, breaking from midfield, then saw his goal-bound shot bravely blocked by Scott Garner.

Rovers survived another scare midway through the half when Kee lifted his shot over after being in space in the area.

Aaron Doran was enjoying success down the Rovers right and almost drew the visitors level. He created space for himself with some neat footwork, but could only direct his shot straight at Kevin O'Brien in the Leicester goal.

Rovers finished the half on top, forcing a series of corners. Skipper Gavin Gunning almost levelled from one of the flag kicks but failed to keep his header down.

Gary Bowyer's side began the second half enjoying plenty of possession, but were unable to pressure the Leicester goal. And when Marcus Marshall's pace looked to have unlocked the defence he was denied by another Garner block.

Substitute Jordan Bowen squandered a golden opportunity to draw level with 16 minutes left, missing his volley from 10 yards out following good work from Doran.

If an equaliser was to come, Doran looked the most likely source, but his strike from distance was the only effort to test Leicester goalkeeper O'Brien as the home side held on to book their passage to round four.

Leicester 4-4-2: O'Brien; Cox, Garner, Rowe-Turner, Cobb; King (O'Neil 73), Tuttle, Howard, Burns; Chambers, Kee.

Subs not used: John, Staples, Chamberlain, Hicks.

Blackburn 4-4-2: Arestidou; C O'Connor, Gunning (Kavanagh 80), Bateson, Paterson; Doran, Keita (Hall 72), Zenaba, M O'Connor; Marshall, McCubbin (Bowen 68).

Subs not used: Bussman, Simpson.