Wright & Hirst Send City's Under-23s To Victory

Ahead of kick-off, Senior Professional Development Phase Coach Steve Beaglehole made two changes to City’s line-up following a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Holmes Park two weeks previously.

In came defender Filip Benković and midfielder Tyrese Shade, replacing Calvin Ughelumba and Khanya Leshabela, for the encounter with a Spurs side who were winless in five matches.

Leicester’s opening opportunity of the night came on 15 minutes as Shade showcased his talent by cutting inside his man in style before sending a cross-field pass to left-back Luke Thomas.

Stretching Spurs back in the opposite direction, Thomas then floated it in for George Hirst, who headed down for Admiral Muskwe, but the Zimbabwe international’s effort was wide.

However, after just impressing, Shade was soon to withdraw from the action in the 20th minute following a knock, with South African Khanya Leshabela taking his place.

Midway through the first half, meanwhile, a long Viktor Johansson kick was flicked on by Leshabela and then Muskwe, setting Hirst free to fire narrowly wide of the near post.

After Johansson was forced to make an acrobatic stop to deny Malachi Fagen-Walcott, Muskwe got another sighter when Hirst put him through, but his shot lacked accuracy.

City’s pressure did pay off, however, 10 minutes after the restart. An excellent free-kick from George Thomas cannoned off the post, sparking a frantic scramble in the six-yard box. 

With legs flailing wildly, it was young midfielder Wright who reacted first to prod the ball beyond Spurs goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie to give his side a deserved advantage in Stevenage. 

Luke Thomas, meanwhile, was incredibly dangerous in the second half and it was his burst and shot, on the left wing, which needed a firm save from De Bie to keep the score down.

With just six minutes remaining on the clock and Leicester fearing a late comeback from Spurs, the visitors made sure of their second win of 2019/20 with a smartly-worked goal, finished by Hirst.

After Wright had won possession out wide, he slipped in substitute Josh Eppiah, allowing the Belgian to cut it back across goal for Hirst to convert it confidently from close range.

Major moment…

City truly earned their luck early in the second half as Callum Wright fought his way into prime position to apply the finish to a scrappy passage of play and give his side the lead. 

After conceding late to draw on their last two outings, the Foxes had to dig deep in the latter moments to prevent history from repeating itself once again, but they did so admirably.

Who impressed?

Speaking live on air for LCFC TV, former Foxes captain Steve Walsh said: "It was a shame that Luke Thomas went off as I was going to give it to him, he was terrific.

"He defended so well and got some great crosses in. George Thomas was outstanding as well, so he's my Man of the Match, but they've all put in some great performances tonight."

Where does it leave us?

The Foxes climb four places to fifth in Premier League 2 Division 1 with their second win of the season taking their points tally up to 10 after eight matches.

Coming up…

City’s youngsters entertain Southampton at Holmes Park in Premier League 2 Division 1 next Friday (7pm BST kick-off) – which is once again live and free on LCFC TV. 

The details… 

City: Johansson; Clark, Johnson, Benković, L. Thomas (Ughelumba 77'); G. Thomas (c), Dewsbury-Hall; Shade (Leshabela 20’), Muskwe (Eppiah 71'), Wright; Hirst 

Subs not used: Stolarczyk, Daley-Campbell 

Goals: Wright 54’, Hirst 84'