Academy Tough It Out For 2-1 Win
In a closely contested match, Leicester's under 18s won the M69 derby by a nose at the Belvoir Drive training ground.
The Foxes got off to a fantastic start when Ricky Muggleton put them ahead only two minutes into the game. James Graham had put the Coventry defence on the back foot, making a burst towards the area and won a free kick as he was tugged back by the shirt. A brilliantly flighted delivery picked out Muggleton who touched the ball home from inside the six yard box.
Leicester came close to doubling their advantage late in the first half when a nicely worked move presented Andy King with a chance. Unfortunately his chip over the 'keeper also cleared the bar and it would be Coventry who were celebrating at the break.
The visitors pulled level on the stroke of halftime after Connor Franklin had been cautioned for a sliding challenge on the edge of the penalty area. From the resulting set piece, a powerful, low shot found the net to even the score at 1-1.
Steve Beaglehole's call to increase the tempo was taken on board and the home side came out with renewed vigour for the second half. Their opponents responded in kind and the game continued at a fast pace. For a while it appeared that the two teams would cancel each other out, but the under 18s don't do draws this season.
Graham had created several chances in the match but was frustrated up until the 75th minute, hitting the target when it mattered. The ball was laid off to the stirker after good build-up play and he made no mistake with the finish to put Leicester back in front.
It looked as though Graham had got his second and sealed the victory five minutes later, set up by substitute Ryan Beswick working hard to win possession in the final third, but a late flag from the referee's assistant meant that the Foxes had to hang on to a single goal advantage. And hang on they did, although they did not sit back and pushed on right up to the whistle looking to add to their tally.
