‘We Weren’t Clinical’ - Petty Reflects On Fleetwood Display

- Leicester City’s Development Squad lost 4-0 to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night
- The Foxes bowed out of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at the group stage
- Coach Ben Petty reflected on what he saw at Highbury Stadium
- There were pleasing aspects to the performance against senior opposition

Always a tough task facing senior Football League opposition, the Foxes had it all to do at the break, following Ryan Broom’s first-half brace at Highbury Stadium. Will Johnson and Ryan Graydon put the game beyond doubt, leading to City’s exit from the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at the group stage.

“Tonight was another great test for us,” Petty said post-match. “I'm not disappointed in the display, I'm disappointed in the goals that we've given away. To concede the goals that we have done is really harsh.

“I thought we played some terrific football. We dominated the ball for long periods, especially in the second half. We really took the game to Fleetwood. I know it was difficult when we were 2-0 and 3-0 down, but we kept probing.

“We kept trying to do the right things, we got in some great positions and weren't just quite clinical enough tonight. You've got to be clinical in both boxes and we've been really stung tonight.”

Individual performances were highlighted by Petty, with another solid showing from captain Ben Nelson at the back, a different role for Brandon Cover at right-back and a series of saves from ‘keeper Brad Young.

“I've seen some really good displays tonight,” City’s coach explained. “I thought Brandon Cover was outstanding, Ben Nelson showed his quality at the back and it's difficult for them to come off the pitch having lost 4-0, but they need to be proud of their performances.

“It (the fourth goal) was very harsh on Brad [Young], he was outstanding tonight. I don’t think the conditions helped him at the end. It was like a monsoon. It's a very unfortunate error for Brad, but he's been outstanding and he's going to be a big player for us this season.

“I think we're making progress, small steps, but there's some good players out there tonight. The back four was an Academy back four that have been with us since Under-9s. So, again, we're very proud of that and hopefully we can get one or two through.”

This season’s EFL Trophy schedule has included some memorable moments, beating fourth tier Tranmere Rovers away from home, while taking on board some key learnings from tough defeats to Wigan Athletic and Fleetwood.

The 46-year-old continued: “I think, overall, when we get time to reflect, it's been a really good campaign for us. Playing two really top level League 1 sides and a League 2 side in Tranmere, it's been great for the players.

“It's a brilliant competition. It's really tough. There's no hiding place and that's what these young players need. I think PL2 (Premier League 2) is great. The development games are superb, but I think this is the icing on the cake and the games that we really enjoy, pitting ourselves against professional players.”

Looking ahead, there’s just 72 hours until Leicester’s next fixture, at Brentford in the Premier League Cup on Friday (7pm GMT kick-off). Although beaten by Burnley and Fulham in their opening fixtures, City will be entering this match with a fresh mindset, Petty believes.

“We've got another game in the PL Cup on Friday night,” he added. “They're coming in thick and fast at us, and we've had some really good displays over the last six games, and we're starting to get where we want to get to.

“Tonight wasn't the result we wanted, but by no means was it a poor performance and I'll be stressing that to the players over the next few days. We've got to keep doing the right things and playing the way we are.

“We feel as a group we haven't got enough points on the board in PL2. So we really want to build on that and there's a lot to play for. We want to finish in the top half of PL2 to qualify for the main tournament at the end of the season.

“There's lots to look forward to. It's a fantastic programme that they have now for these players and we need to make sure we keep making moves forward.”