Two late goals saw Leicester City's Development Squad come away empty handed from their Bristol Street Motors Trophy opener on Tuesday, losing 3-1 to Burton Albion.
Following a narrow reverse to Southampton in Premier League 2 last Friday night, the young Foxes were straight back to action four days later, facing Sky Bet League 1 Burton at Pirelli Stadium in their opening group game.
The competition, which pits Under-21s teams against senior sides from the third and fourth tier, is always a good opportunity for City's youngsters to prove themselves against seasoned professionals.
And after a goalless first half, it was the visitors who took the lead in this one; Amani Richards firing home the opener having assisted Chris Popov's goal against the Saints.
Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for City, with Albion hitting back via Mason Bennett's goal just over 10 minutes later. The contest looked to be heading for a draw until Ryan Sweeney struck a decisive blow with seven minutes remaining.
Danilo Orsi soon added a third, ensuring the points would be Burton's, elevating the Brewers to the top of Southern Group F at this earlier stage of the tournament.
Next up, Leicester will tackle fellow third-tier outfit Northampton Town on Tuesday 5 November, before facing League 2 side Notts County a week later (7pm kick-offs) to conclude the group stage.
Before then, attention turns back to PL2 and a meeting with Liverpool at Kirkby Academy this Saturday (2pm kick-off).
The details...
City: Young; Cover, Godsmark-Ford, Wormleighton, Joseph (Hill 87'); Braybrooke, Cartwright, Ononaye (Monga 70'); Richards, Briggs; Popov (J. Evans 79').
Unused subs: French, Grist, McAlliney, Amartey.
Goal: Richards 57'.
All times BST.
