Leicester City’s Under-18s continued their pre-Christmas form by defeating Birmingham City 2-1 on Saturday, rising to the summit of the U18 Premier League South standings.
Playing their first competitive fixture for almost a month, the Foxes youngsters showed little sign of rustiness at LCFC Training Ground, stretching their unbeaten run in the league to eight games despite fielding a much-changed line-up.
There were four changes to the side that overcame Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in December, as Freddie Cook, Thomas Wilson-Brown, Jack Lewis and Kartell Dawkins came in for Joe Wormleighton and Henry Cartwright – who were both included in the Development Squad - Harvey Godsmark-Ford and Will Alves, the latter making his first team debut.
A goal in each half ultimately decided the contest, with Brandon Cover kicking off the scoring on 26 minutes, assisted by Wilson-Brown. Chris Popov moved onto nine league goals for the season, and 12 in all competitions, just seven minutes into the second half, once again Wilson-Brown was the provider.
Cianole Nguepissi ensured the visitors would also get their name on the scoreboard, but it proved to be a late consolation as Leicester saw out the final 10 minutes to claim another three points.
It lifts the side coached by Adam Barradell above both Chelsea and Southampton, onto 28 points from 12 matches, though both teams have played a game less than the Foxes.
Next up, City’s Under-18s turn their attention back to the FA Youth Cup and Friday’s fourth round tie with Crewe Alexandra in Seagrave (7pm kick-off). They resume league duties on Saturday 22 January, meanwhile, hosting West Bromwich Albion (12pm kick-off).
The details...
City: Chibueze, Grist, Wilson-Brown, Cook, Lindsay, Lewis, Kutshienza, Dawkins (Briggs 78’), Cover, Popov (C), Butterfill (Javid 69’).
Unused subs: Doherty, Read, Evans.
Goals: Cover 26’, Popov 52’.
All times GMT.
