Determination & Mentality - Dewsbury-Hall's Coventry Verdict

 - Leicester City overcame Coventry City 2-1 at King Power Stadium
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored both of the Foxes’ goals on Sunday
- The Academy graduate gave his take on an enthralling contest
- He was delighted to get three points on the board on matchday one

King Power Stadium was the venue for a hotly contested opening fixture of the season on Sunday, one which the Sky Blues led via Kyle MacFadzean’s goal early in the second period.

The Foxes Academy graduate was the hero of the hour, though, producing two moments of magic to set Leicester on their way to a comeback success over their M69 foes.

“It’s a good feeling,” the Shepshed-born midfielder declared. “I was saying that it’s a great way to start the season, but it’s even better to score the winner against our local rivals. I think some of my mates are not going to be happy with me, but I’ve got bragging rights with a couple of them, so I’ll take that!

“It’s part of the game and I’m just happy to help the team get the three points today. That’s the most important thing. On the most part, I thought we did well. We dominated it, got into good positions, good areas, but the final ball probably let us down a little bit.

“It’s the first game of the season, we’re going to make mistakes. That will come the more we practice. The second half was a bit sloppy at times and it’s obviously disappointing to concede from a set piece, we want to be strong from them this season.

“But I’m happy with the way we ground the result out. It shows good determination and good mentality. Overall, you’ve got to be happy with three points in the first game of the season.”

A set-back to concede almost immediately after the break, Leicester rallied and managed to pull level when substitute Dennis Praet crossed for Dewsbury-Hall to head home on 77 minutes, giving King Power Stadium something to cheer.

“It was the worst possible start [to the second half],” the 24-year-old admitted. “But you’ve got the whole half. You’ve not got to get flustered and just stick to the game plan. We know that we’ll create chances and that’s the difference, we need to have that mentality this season.

“Not everything is going to go your way, so it’s how you react to that. It’s how you mentally prepare for what is going to happen. I’m happy we stuck to it and got what we deserved in the end.

“It was a fantastic cross by Dennis. We’ve been working on that a lot. The gaffer has told me that he wants me to get into the box and be a threat. We’ve done that carbon copy for weeks now in training.

“As soon as we get into the half space opposite the eight, we get it into the box and create a problem. I saw Dennis put his head up and just thought 'let me go for it' and thankfully it was a fantastic ball, and I just got my head on it. It was a bit of a collector’s item but hopefully there’s more to come.”

The second goal, meanwhile, coming with three minutes of normal time remaining, was a stunning finish which could be an early contender for Goal of the Season. He might have scored a third, too, but could not quite find the finish late on.

Nevertheless, the support Dewsbury-Hall has received from the Blue Army, who serenaded his name throughout the closing stages, continues to drive him on.

“It was an instinctive one,” he added, describing the winner. “It was good play by Stephy [Mavididi] and I just thought as soon as I got it to try and get it out of my feet and have a shot. I’m confident on my left foot from there, so it was just nice that it nestled into the top corner.

“(For the later chance) it was a nice ball from Kele (Kelechi Iheanacho) but I think I was getting a bit of cramp so I couldn’t get that extra yard to the ball. That would have been the dream start, but I’m just happy that we got the win.

“It’s a fantastic feeling. [The fans] been great since I’ve come in and I’ve said in pre-season, it’s up to me to get everything together and try and make a stamp on this team as one of the main players. I want to take that responsibility because I know I can and I’m good enough. For them to show their appreciation it means a lot to me, I’m thankful to them.”