Foxes' League Cup Campaign Ends At Semi-Final Stage
Reaching the last four of the competition for the first time in the Club's history, there was plenty for the team to be proud of as their cup run came to an end against Women's Super League opposition.
The Foxes lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation for the clash, with Lachante Paul and Paige Bailey-Gayle offering the width either side of Natasha Flint.
It was a fairly cagey opening with both teams feeling their way into the game, although when the lively Ebony Salmon wrestled her way into the area, Sam Tierney was there to hack the ball away and avert the early danger.
The Foxes' first opportunity fell the way of Paul, who cut inside onto her right foot and stung the palms of Sophie Baggaley, but the Robins 'keeper managed to hold on.
There was a penalty shout for the home side as Yana Daniels went down under pressure from Remi Allen but referee Rebecca Welch was unmoved.
Kirstie Levell then had to be at full stretch to tip Wellings' fierce strike onto the crossbar and over as the game started to flow more openly.
Back at the other end, Charlie Devlin weaved her way past a couple of challenges on the edge of the area but Baggaley was equal to her low, left-footed attempt.
Another penalty appeal was turned down, this time for the Foxes, as Devlin went down under a challenge after exchanging a neat one-two with Allen.
After a quiet start to the second half, Leicester sprung into action with Bailey-Gayle racing through, but found Baggaley unbeatable once again, before Flint's strike flew over the top.
Further Foxes pressure came from Paul, who saw two shots blocked in quick succession before a third attempt was saved.
The breakthrough came 72 minutes in, via the home side's first real chance of the second half. Kiera Skeels rose highest to head in Salmon's centre, finding the far post after Carla Humphrey took a quick corner.
The game then opened up with Leicester pushing for the equaliser and that left space for Salmon, who could only slice her shot wide target. The ball then fell to Daniels to strike from range but Levell was not troubled as it flew over the crossbar.
Leicester started to apply more pressure as the clock ticked down with Devlin's in-swinging free-kick met by Bailey-Gayle, who directed it just wide of the near post.
Charlotte Fleming, on for her Leicester debut, saw a strike from 25 yards out held by Baggaley, ahead of the City stopper also denying fellow substitute Millie Farrow from close range.
There was still time for another Farrow chance in stoppage time as she flicked Esmee De Graaf's cross on but it deflected into the side netting and meant Bristol would be progressing into the final.
Major moment
Leicester were well in the game at 0-0 and arguably looking the more likely of the two sides to find a way through. But Kiera Skeels' header proved to be the difference as she took advantage of a wicked delivery from Ebony Salmon.
Who impressed?
There were strong performances across the park from the Foxes, including centre-back Sam Tierney, who kept the in-form Ebony Salmon quiet for the majority of the evening, and along with the rest of the back four, produced a solid performance against top tier opponents.
Where does it leave us?
Leicester exit the Continental Tyres League Cup at the last four stage, with Bristol City advancing into the final, where they will meet Chelsea at Vicarage Road.
Coming up
Leicester return to FA Women's Championship action on Sunday 14 February, facing Durham at Maiden Castle in a first versus second clash (12pm GMT kick-off).
The details...
City: Levell; De Graaf, Tierney, Plumptre, Smith (Fleming 66'); Barker (c) (Farrow 85'); Bailey-Gayle, Allen, Devlin, Bailey-Gayle; Flint (Cain 79').
Subs not used: Harris, Riglar, Everett, Cataldo, Thomas, Fergusson.