Petty Analyses ‘Terrific Game Of Football’

- Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur played out a 2-2 draw in Premier League 2 Division 1
- Monday’s game at LCFC Training Ground was the season opener for the Under-21s competition
- Ben Petty shared his thoughts on the encounter, praising City’s overall performance
- Tawanda Maswanhise was among the goals for the Foxes youngsters, who twice led

The new Premier League 2 season kicked off in style at LCFC Training Ground, with four goals shared between two evenly matched teams on the night, as the Foxes edged ahead in each half only for the visitors to draw level on both occasions.  

Charlie Sayers’ own goal was followed by Malachi Fagan-Walcott’s first-half equaliser, before Tawanda Maswanhise hit City’s second of the evening. Nile John added his name to the scoresheet, though, to ensure it would be honours even at the end of 90 minutes.

“I thought it was a terrific game of football,” Petty began, speaking to LCFC TV. “We were up against a top side; we knew it was going to be really tough tonight. I thought we started both halves really well. To get up in the game twice and lose the lead is a slight disappointment but overall, delighted with the performance.

“If we play at that level, we’ll win more than we draw or lose. We knew Tottenham were going to have a good tactical plan against us. They are a good pressing side. They play out from the back really well and I think both teams showed tonight what a great level this is for young players.

“I thought overall we could say we just shaded it, but we conceded two poor goals from set plays, which is a disappointment. We are going to have a look at those and get back on the training ground to hopefully put those right moving into Sunday against Man City.

“That’s going to be big for us this season, especially with the Papa John’s Trophy and the Premier League International Cup. Set plays are a big part of the game.

Captain Lewis Brunt made his return from injury, starting the game in Seagrave and coming through the first half unscathed before being withdrawn, as he steps up his recovery. That led to a shift in personnel at the back, but the team adjusted well to the change and fought hard to earn a point.  

The coach explained: “It was premeditated. Obviously, Brunty (Lewis Brunt) has been a big player for us, and he had a nasty hamstring injury so the plan was 45 minutes and obviously when you take your captain off, you wonder how the rest of the team are going to cope.

“But I thought Joe [Wormleighton] was terrific when he went on and in a strange position for him, he normally plays full-back, but all the subs were brilliant when they went on and made a real impact in the game. I’m delighted with the squad tonight.”

Discussing the difficultly of Premier League 2 Division 1, which has switched to an Under-21 league this campaign, Petty sees plenty to build on within the young side, who will look to improve further on last season’s eighth place.

“There’s not a game that you look at and think that’s three points,” the 44-year-old explained. “It’s a really tough league. We saw last season how strong the league is with Chelsea struggling to fight relegation. You have to be on your A-game every week to compete.

“But that’s good, it’s good learning for the players and it gets them ready for the challenge over there. We could be a little bit slicker with our forward play in the final third, but we’re at the start of the season and we’re still working towards our top match sharpness.”