A youthful Leicester City Under-18s side were narrowly beaten by reigning Barclays U18 Premier League champions Fulham on Saturday afternoon at Belvoir Drive.
The Foxes more than matched their experienced opponents in the early stages, as they looked to inflict what would have been just the second defeat of the season for the Cottagers.
Trevor Peake’s side defended resolutely and looked a real threat on the breakaway, just as they have in recent weeks against Manchester United and Aston Villa, with Marek Rodak forced into several spectacular saves to keep City out.
However after going in all square at the break, the visitors pulled away in the second half when Moussa Dembele broke the deadlock with an emphatic finish from George Williams’ pass.
City battled hard to haul themselves back into the match and grab their first points of the season, but it wasn’t to be as the Fulham defence held on for a close-fought victory over the Foxes, who continue to show improvements with every game.