City's Youngsters Settle For A Point In PL2 Opener
A new era of Premier League 2 - switching from an Under-23s league to an Under-21s division - began in Seagrave as the Foxes youngsters produced a high quality, free-flowing performance, matched by their north London counterparts.
Tawanda Maswanhise, operating as a lone forward, produced the first shot on target after picking up Ethan Fitzhugh's neat pass, but his right-footed effort was comfortably claimed by Josh Keeley.
And the Foxes frontman would be involved in the opener after just 10 minutes. Sammy Braybrooke's cross was met by Maswanhise at the back post, heading the ball back across goal, and Spurs defender Charlie Sayers could only divert it into his own net, via the crossbar.
The lead lasted just six minutes, however. Romaine Mundle's corner was expertly converted by Malachi Fagan-Walcott, hitting the ball into the ground and then over the sprawling Chituru Odunze.
A series of chances followed, including from Kasey McAteer's cross, which Fitzhugh arrowed towards goal, but found Keeley in the way of, before the winger's next chance - a shot on the turn after Maswanhise found him on the edge of the box - was kept out by the 'keeper.
At the other end, Mundle's powerful attempt drew a save from Odunze when Leicester had gifted possession back to the away side in a dangerous area close to goal. And once Alfie Devine cut the ball back for Tyrell Ashcroft, he could only slice wide.
The dangerous Mundle continued to cause problems for the Foxes in the closing stages of the first-half, robbing McAteer of possession and looking to go all the way until his low drive was smartly saved by Odunze, ensuring the sides would go in level.
A lovely Leicester move edged the home side back in front shortly after the break. Debutant Paul Appiah found Iestyn Hughes, whose floated ball over the top for McAteer led to a sweeping first-time cross that was met by Maswanhise to finish neatly into the bottom corner.
From a short corner routine, the Lilywhites were level for a second time, on 67 minutes. It sat up nicely for skipper Jamie Bowden to strike and although Odunze did well to get a strong left palm to the powerful shot, it diverted straight into the path of Nile John, who made no mistake in finishing.
Bowden had another effort saved by Odunze minutes later, but this time the American shot-stopper was able to gather the loose ball and prevent another rebound falling to a Tottenham player in the six-yard box.
Each team had opportunities to snatch maximum points late on, and from Mundle's corner, Tottenham almost grabbed an elusive winner, though Devine could not divert his near-post header on target and it finished with a share of the spoils for both.
Major moment – Spurs hit back
Leicester twice took the lead but each time the visitors were able to respond, with the second equaliser ultimately proving decisive in taking a point back to the capital. The hosts will be disappointed not to have held on to their advantage, but the two sides were ultimately evenly matched.
Who impressed? – Maswanhise off the mark
It was a thrilling start to both halves for the Foxes youngsters, and Tawanda Mawanhise in particular, who assisted the first goal early on and then scored his side's second. A general menace to the Spurs defence, he was able to contribute to a positive start to the new campaign.
Where do we stand? – 7th position
City's Under-21s are seventh in Premier League 2 Division 1 at this early stage of the season, with all 14 teams now completing the first round of fixtures.
Coming up – Man City (A)
Next Sunday sees City's Under-21s travel north to face Manchester City Under-21s in their first away game of the new Premier League 2 season at Academy Stadium in a 2pm BST kick-off.
The details...
City: Odunze; Hughes, Appiah, Brunt (c) (Wormleighton 45'), Flynn; Braybrooke, McAteer; Alves (Ewing 57'); Fitzhugh (K. Pennant 78'), Marcal-Madivadua; Maswanhise (T. Pennant 78').
Sub not used: Doherty.
Goals: Sayers (OG) 10', Maswanhise 48’.