Petty: We’re Here To Learn
- Ben Petty analyses the Development Squad’s 1-0 loss to Barrow in the Papa John’s Trophy
- A late strike from Jordan Stevens won it for the hosts, despite Leicester having opportunities of their own
- Petty praised young goalkeeper Chituru Odunze for his efforts at The Dunes Hotel Stadium
Tuesday night saw the Foxes contest their final Papa John’s Trophy fixture of the season, and for large periods they were a threat to the hosts’ back line, while also defending well throughout the majority of the match.
However, City were dealt a blow in the second minute of injury time, when Jordan Stevens converted from 30 yards to seal a win for his side.
Speaking to LCFC TV after the match, Petty said: “I thought we were terrific tonight. We dominated the game in the first half and the disallowed goal was a bit contentious and a bit of a blow. In the second half, we dug in and I think anyone watching the game thought we should have got a result.
“Over the course of the three games, that was our best performance. We’re going to take a lot out of that, the fact that we’ve improved over the three games. It was a young team out there, so it’s some good experience for them.
“They’re obviously very disappointed and I didn’t really have to say too much. We’ve had two disappointments in the space of a few days with late goals, but that’s why we’re here. We’re here to learn and I’m sure they will.”
A number of Foxes impressed on the evening, not least goalkeeper Chituru Odunze, whose saves kept Barrow out until Stevens’ late strike.
Petty said: “I thought he was outstanding tonight. He’s had to wait his chance. Obviously, Brad [Young] and Jakub [Stolarczyk] have been brilliant for us when they’ve played and he’s been their understudy, but tonight, you’ve seen his full qualities.
“That’s why he gets called up into the full international squad [for the USA] on a regular basis.”
Although Leicester were unable to collect a point during their Papa John’s Trophy campaign, Petty highlighted signs of development across the course of their three matches.
“I think we coped better physically and that was the big learning from the first two games,” he added. “I thought tonight you saw us play our football, but you also saw us mix it a little bit and cope with the first, second and third phases, as well as set-plays.
“Overall, I’m pleased with the outcome. Obviously, it’s not the points tally that we’d have wanted, but with such a young group, I’m delighted with them.
“We’re building our style of play. You saw tonight that we dominated possession, especially in the first half. We probably just need to do a little bit more in the final third, but overall, I’m really pleased with the development of the players. You can see that they’re starting to come on.”