Young Foxes Victorious Against Man Utd In PL2 Thriller
Leicester's Under-21s twice went ahead via first-half goals from Chris Popov and Tawanda Maswanhise, before an injury-time winner from Brandon Cover leaves the Foxes with a fighting chance of moving off the bottom of PL2 before the season's close.
There were four changes to the starting XI that drew 2-2 with Fulham last time out, with Chituru Odunze, and Zach Booth both coming in to feature in Seagrave, alongside first team duo Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand.
It was a quick start from the hosts, who found the opening goal less than five minutes in through centre-forward Popov. Continued pressure from the young Foxes put Man Utd 'keeper Nathan Bishop in an awkward position, and the former Red Devils striker was able to slide in and turn an attempted clearance into the net.
Over the next 10 minutes, Leicester continued to threaten, but they were up against strong opponents who drew back level in the 22nd minute when Sonny Aljofree followed up on an initial close-range effort to bring the visitors back level.
City weren't going to let that faze them, and looked confident in their abilities, coming close when Popov's effort from a free-kick landed into the gloves of Bishop, before Maswanhise regained the lead for Leicester. Wanya Marcal-Madivadua supplied the ball to the No.11, who took aim from the edge of the box and curled a spectacular effort over the 'keeper and into the net.
As the first half drew to a close, both sides threatened without either making any serious damage - apart from Popov - who struck the upright from a tight angle, resulting in a one-goal lead for the Foxes heading into the break.
Into the second half and it was the home side who looked brighter, almost strengthening their lead before the hour mark. Marcal-Madivadua was played through on goal but saw his low drilled effort well saved by Bishop, deflecting the ball over the bar.
Fifteen minutes from time, City had their next chance when they were awarded another free-kick on the edge of the box. With Popov replaced, set-piece duties fell to Maswanhise, who looked to seal the win but saw the ball curl away from the near post, keeping the game competitive for the final 10.
Unfortunately for the hosts, missed opportunities would come back to bite as the Manchester outfit levelled things up. Bjorn Hardley moved the ball into a dangerous area inside the City box, and striker Mateo Majía finished off from a few yards out.
With the scores all level heading into added-time, it looked like City would only claim a draw for their efforts, until a final chance offered itself with minutes to go. Bobby Amartey drove into the opposition half, playing in Cover, who took aim and picked out the corner to spark celebration within the Foxes' camp.
Both sides were reduced to 10 players in the closing stages following an altercation after the goal, but the dismissals of Deniche Hill and Willy Kambwala mattered little to the end result.
Major moment – Brandon Cover's late winner
The better side for most of the game, City's resilience for 90 minutes was rewarded in injury time when Brandon Cover sealed the win, and with it, three huge points for Leicester's Under-21s.
Who impressed? – The front line
While it was a brilliant team display, the front line looked energetic and full of confidence - exactly what was required from the side bottom of the league and fighting for points.
Where do we stand? – 12th in PL2
City's Under-21s remain bottom of PL2, but are edging towards the rest of the pack, with a total of 15 points following Monday's result. There are four games remaining and twelve points still achievable.
Coming up – Everton (H)
Leicester's youngsters welcome Everton to Seagrave on Monday 24 April for a 7pm BST kick-off.
The details...
City: Odunze; Wormleighton, Brunt (C), Vestergaard (Godsmark-Ford 11'), Bertrand (Hill 61'); B. Amartey, Cover; Booth (Cartwright 61'), Marcal-Madivadua, Maswanhise; Popov (K. Pennant 69').
Sub not used: Young.
Goals: Popov 3', Maswanhise 28', Cover 90+2'.