Pearson: A Decent Workout

Eight members of the Foxes squad played the full match, including David Nugent, Chris Wood, Andy King and Marc Albrighton as the unbeaten start to pre-season continued at Stadium:MK.

Nugent opened the scoring with a deflected strike in the first half before Development Squad full-back James Pearson unleashed a howitzer that arrowed into the top corner to seal the victory against a highly competitive Dons outfit.

Speaking exclusively to LCFC.com, Pearson said at full time: “It ticked the boxes that we were looking for and that is that the majority of the first team squad that were playing tonight got more or less 90 minutes.

“That always was going to be the main point of the exercise. It’s always good to win games and I’ve said before it’s a good habit to have. I thought it was a decent game as well. They (MK Dons) passed the ball around well and in the second half had a few moments by putting us under pressure, but we defended resolutely, which is good, so all in all it’s a decent workout for us.

“Throughout the week it’s about getting the load right in training, and the pre-season is about getting them ready for games, and they’re at a stage now where most of them have had 90 minutes tonight and it’s that progression we’re looking for. I thought we looked very strong and particularly in that midfield area, so it has been a very good exercise for us.

“We certainly defended set plays tonight better than we did at the weekend, which is helpful for us. We were solid and I think we showed an intensity in and out of possession tonight, which is pleasing and shows the players are getting towards the right levels for the opening day of the Premier League season.”