Beaglehole: Late Spell Deserved A Win

- Steve Beaglehole felt his side could have won the game late on 

- Defender Callum Elder on the scoresheet for the Foxes 

Steve Beaglehole says his side were unlucky not to emerge with three Barclays U21 Premier League points following a late spell of pressure in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday. 

Despite Michael Cain hitting the post just moments earlier, Leicester City’s Development Squad found themselves 1-0 down at the break following Conor Grant’s strike from distance. 

But a late surge from the Foxes saw defender Callum Elder convert with nine minutes to play, before City had a number of chances to win the game, most notably through substitute Keenan King, who was denied by Everton shot-stopper Matuesz Hewelt from close range. 

Reflecting on the game, Beaglehole told LCFC.com: “It was a tough game and we knew it would be. We always have tough games against Everton, particularly in the quarter-final of the Premier League International Cup last year. 

“In the last 20 to 25 minutes, we were very similar to how we were at the end of last season. We had them on the back foot when we were attacking. 

“We created the goal in that period and probably could have gone on to win it. I think, for our endeavours late on, we’re disappointed that we didn’t win. 

“We’ve started off slowly like we have done in the last few seasons. It’s not like us to only score one goal at home. In the last two or three years, we’ve probably averaged three goals at home. 

“Normally, we could concede one, and still win. We’ve got to work on our threat in the final third. It was a full back indeed that scored a goal in Callum Elder." 

Beaglehole fielded a side that included a number of players that made the step up from the Club’s Under-18s this season, and those youngsters impressed the Development Squad boss. 

He added: “I thought there was some very good performances from some of the younger lads. Hamza Choudhury’s work rate and tackling were terrific. The way he tracked back and broke things up was excellent. 

“Layton Ndukwu showed flashes of brilliance, but he’s not trained too much recently, so we knew we’d have to take him off after about 60 minutes. 

“Keenan King did well and Matty Miles, who we know can play that right back role, gave us some threat going forward. Elliott Moore also had a sound game, so the younger players that are coming in are all doing well. We’re looking to find the right balance now.”