Petty: Hard Work Paid Off

- It finished goalless between Leicester City’s Development Squad and Manchester City
- Coach Ben Petty described the team’s overall performance as terrific
- Friday’s draw was City’s first point in Premier League 2 Division 1 this year

Friday’s evening Premier League 2 Division 1 encounter at LCFC Training Ground ended goalless, with a depleted Leicester side able to keep the reigning PL2 champions out for a second successive season.

“I thought the lads were terrific,” Petty beamed, speaking to LCFC TV in his post-match interview. “It was a great achievement, keeping Man City out, shutting the door on them and keeping a clean sheet.

“I think what you find against playing a team like Man City is it's so hard as well when you've got possession because they press so well. So, it was a difficult game for us, we defended great, and what we would like is in possession to be a little bit better.

“I credit Man City for their press. They were superb as well, but it was hard work, that's what I've said to the lads. It's amazing where hard work can get you first and foremost. You know, there's some good players on that pitch, but you've got to earn the right to play.

“We knew we'd have a lot of the game without the ball tonight and it was about keeping the shape we've worked on. I thought the lads did it brilliantly tonight.”

Players had to show their versatility in the second half, with the effort, endeavour and energy on display, including some critical late blocks from Joe Wormleighton, able to keep the visitors at bay in Seagrave.

Petty continued: “I mean, that's a situation where we are where we are with the injuries, and I thought Brandon [Cover] was fantastic. The way he went into the false nine position and screened the controller in the second half, he bought into it and I thought he was great.

“Harvey [Godsmark-Ford] went into midfield when he was a centre-back. So, I think we had buy in from the lads and they're a great group to work with and they're working really hard.

“I think the thing about Joe [Wormleighton] is he's doing great at the minute. He's still learning the full-back role. He's a converted winger. It's going to take him time. You know he doesn't always get himself in the right position.

“But what Joe does with his recovery runs and his effort and his tenacity, he's given himself a real chance and there's a lot of lads out there who deserve some credit for tonight. I wouldn't like to single anyone out, and I've just said to them, that's the benchmark from now until the end of the season.”

Wanya Marcal-Madivadua started for the second successive game following a long-term injury, while Sammy Braybrooke captained the side having been involved with the first team in recent weeks. Both were substituted, but Petty was pleased to report no new concerns.

City’s coach explained: “We've been monitoring Wanya's load because it was a stress response in his back and he just tipped the edge today and we didn't want to risk him and he was very disappointed with that.

“But that shows you the character of the lad and he'll be back for Wednesday and Sammy [Braybrooke] just cramped up having not played for a few weeks and again, we didn't want to risk him. So, them two were great tonight and I'm delighted for the lads that they've got something out of the game.”

A first point on the board in 2023, it was also the team’s maiden shutout this year, with the defensive work a key factor in stopping a side who had scored 14 goals in their last three PL2 games.

“We've got a points total in mind of where we need to get to,” the 45-year-old added. “And we've chalked one off tonight. Probably not many people outside our dressing room expected us to get anything, with how good Man City are.

“But we've got firm belief in ourselves and I thought that was a real Leicester City performance and hard work, great attitude, some good football at times and I'm really proud to be the coach.”