Foxes Youngsters Record Comeback Victory Over Leeds
After three games without a victory, a brace from Ethan Fitzhugh, followed by Bayli Spencer-Adams’ goal, ensured the Foxes came from behind to secure a much needed three points.
Three changes were made from the team that lost to Liverpool last time out, with Jakub Stolarczyk replacing Brad Young in goal, and Spencer-Adams and Shane Flynn coming into the side for Sam Hughes and Sammy Braybrooke.
The visiting Foxes began in a 4-3-3 system, with Fitzhugh and Wanya Marcal-Madivadua operating either side of Tawanda Maswanhise in attack.
It was an even opening to the Premier League 2 Division 1 contest as both sides cancelled each other out in the early stages, before Fitzhugh attempted to curl a free-kick around the Leeds wall, which stood tall to block.
At the other end, Sam Greenwood’s set piece for the hosts did little to trouble Stolarczyk on his return to the side.
Fitzhugh’s next free-kick was positioned right on the edge of the area and again was blocked, coming out for Oliver Ewing to strike a fierce low shot that whistled narrowly past the post.
But it was the home side who broke the deadlock via a well-crafted move started and finished by Joe Gelhardt, who exchanged a one-two with Greenwood before waiting for Stolarczyk to dive and chipping the ball over City’s ‘keeper on 27 minutes.
Leeds almost doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark as captain Charlie Cresswell met two Liam McCarron corners in quick succession, heading wide before his second attempt crashed against the bar.
It would be Cresswell’s last involvement, though, as he was shown a second yellow card and sent off for bringing Maswanhise down in the centre circle as the forward attempted to break away.
Fitzhugh came close to finding an equaliser from a free-kick that was inches away from nestling in the far corner and further opportunities followed shortly before the interval.
Flynn’s cross was headed onto the roof of the net by Kasey McAteer and Ben Nelson connected with Ewing’s corner, but also failed to hit the target.
Leicester continued to try and make their numerical advantage count early in the second half and when the ball sat up for Maswanhise to shoot, his strike sailed wide.
The forward did manage to set up the equaliser moments later, however, whipping in a cross for Fitzhugh to meet and head past the onrushing Dani van den Heuvel for his maiden Premier League 2 goal of 2021/22.
With City remaining in the ascendency against 10 men, Brunt struck wide of the target, ahead of Marcal-Madivadua curling a shot high and wide. Leicester did not have to wait long for another opportunity and this time they capitalised.
Spencer-Adams did well to reach Brunt’s cross and nod the ball back into the path of Fitzhugh, whose first-time finish nestled into the bottom corner, putting the Foxes ahead for the first time in the game.
The Whites were soon looking to get back on level terms with Stuart McKinstry firing wide before Greenwood smashed a first-time strike over the bar from McKinstry’s corner and also sent an acrobatic effort into the stands.
The visitors were largely in control, however, with Vontae Daley-Campbell finding space for a shot but he was off balance, making it comfortable for Heuvel to claim.
The third goal did arrive when Ewing’s free-kick was perfectly placed for Spencer-Adams to nod home his first Leicester goal and double the away side’s lead with 12 minutes to play, sealing the success in York.
Major moment
Following a hotly contested opening 30 minutes, Charlie Cresswell’s red card changed the complexion of the game and the Foxes were able to launch a successful second-half comeback after falling behind.
Who impressed?
Ethan Fitzhugh was a constant menace for the Leeds defence and got his rewards with two well taken goals that pushed City into a commanding position, ultimately securing the three points.
Where do we stand?
Leicester’s youngsters move up to eighth in the league standings, having collected 16 points from 13 games in 2021/22.
Coming up...
City’s Development Squad welcome Blackburn Rovers Under-23s to LCFC Training Ground on Friday 17 December for their next Premier League 2 Division 1 encounter (7pm GMT kick-off).
The details…
City: Stolarczyk, Daley-Campbell (c), Spencer-Adams, B. Nelson, Flynn (Braybrooke 59’); Brunt, Ewing, McAteer; Fitzhugh (Russ 83’), Marcal-Madivadua (Alves 71’), Maswanhise.
Subs not used: Chibueze, Wakeling.
Goals: Fitzhugh 56’, 67’, Spencer-Adams 79’.