Recapping The Young Foxes' Promising Start To 2021/22
The young Foxes, who finished 12th last term, have won six of their nine league fixtures so far this time around, drawing once, and losing on just one occasion. With several players emerging through the pathway into the Club's Development Squad, it's been a promising start to the campaign.
It began with the visit of Crystal Palace to LCFC Training Ground in August and, although Kian Pennant fired City into an early lead, a quick-fire double from Victor Akinwale flipped the clash on its head, before Jadan Raymond added a third with 10 minutes to play. Things would quickly improve, though.
Leicester's opening away clash of the season took them to The Amex Elite Football Performance Centre to tackle Brighton & Hove Albion and Jack Butterfill scored the only goal of the game netted the only goal of the game to get his side up and running.
Both Butterfill and Pennant would write their names onto the scoresheet again a week later as the young Foxes, overseen by coach Adam Barradell, made it two wins from two with a 2-1 victory over Reading in Seagrave. That was despite Kelvin Abrefa's 23rd-minute opener for the Royals.
Little Heath Sports Centre on the outskirts of London was City's next destination, but the trip would end in disappointment as Gideon Kodua, George Earthy and Sonny Perkins secured a 3-1 victory for West Ham United. Chris Popov, though, was at least able to narrow the arrears in Romford.
After a two-week break from competitive action, the Club's Under-18s were presented with their sternest test of the season so far in late September as regular title challengers Chelsea headed to north Leicestershire. The Blues arrived with a 100 per cent record, but it would be lost at the end of the day.
A fine solo goal from Pennant was the difference in Seagrave as Leicester continued their laudable start to 2021/22.
“The boys were excellent,” Barradell told LCFC.com afterwards. “They carried out the plan that we as coaches set for them. It was a really good performance with defensive organisation, but I was also really pleased with the boys on the ball.”
Another strike from Pennant and a brace from Popov added to the momentum for City's youngsters in a 3-0 success over Southampton seven days later, while Abdullah Javid, Brandon Cover and Butterfill also found the net in a 3-1 triumph over Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup group stage.
While the young Foxes would finally suffer a first defeat in four games, losing out 2-0 at Southampton in the PL Cup, their excellent league form continued. A first-half penalty from Pennant was equalised by Arsenal's Marcelo Flores, but Popov struck again to take all three points at LCFC Training Ground.
“What we’re seeing with their goals in the game is the work they are doing on a daily basis,” Barradell said. “They are doing a lot of finishing work, a lot of work around their movement and that’s coming to fruition in the games on the Saturday with them getting the goals.”
A landmark moment arrived on 30 October, on the other hand, as Leicester's Under-18s climbed to the league's summit with a 1-0 victory over Fulham in Seagrave, courtesy of a late winner from Butterfill, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Club's Academy prospects at full-time.
City's most recent outing, meanwhile, ended in a 3-3 draw with West Bromwich Albion. Goals from Butterfill, Popov and Joe Wormleighton gave the home side every chance on continuing their winning run. A Reyes Cleary double and Layton Love's late equaliser secured a point for the Baggies, however.
Nevertheless, the young Foxes remain third in the U18 Premier League standings, level on 19 points with Chelsea and Southampton, while they are also second in Group A of the PL Cup with three points from two games.
Next up is Norwich City at home in the league on Saturday 20 November (12:30pm GMT kick-off).