Young Foxes Denied By Champions Chelsea

The Blues raced into an early three-goal lead as Marcel Lewis’ brace bookended a fine effort from Jack Wakely inside the opening 15 minutes at the Club’s training ground.

However, City’s youngsters recovered superbly in the second period and Luke Thomas was twice the provider for Dempsey Arlott-John and Justen Kranthove to narrow the arrears.

While the young Foxes were ultimately unable to complete the comeback, it will nonetheless be a source of pride and confidence that they were able to push the title holders all the way.

As a result of just their fifth defeat of the league season, Leicester’s Under-18s are now fifth in the 12-team South division, with 17 points from 12 fixtures.

Following Tuesday’s FA Youth Cup Fourth Round tie against Crewe Alexandra (7pm GMT kick-off), Arsenal visit Belvoir Drive on Thursday 24 January (12pm GMT kick-off).

In the Youth Cup, the young Foxes made it to this stage of the competition courtesy of an extra-time victory over Fulham last month, when captain Luke Thomas converted a penalty to earn them a 2-1 victory.

Striker Will Russ had earlier given Leicester a lead but they Fulham equaliser just after the hour mark at King Power Stadium – with the young Foxes now having another chance to impress in front of their home supporters in the next round.

Tickets for the fixture are on general sale and are priced at £3 for Adults and £1 for Seniors 65+ and Under-18s online and will also be on sale from the Matchday Ticket Office on the night.

City: Bosworth, Elewa-Ikpakwu, D. Gyamfi, Thomas (c), Kranthove, Arlott-John, Pennant, Flynn, Tavares, Ewing, Russ.

Subs not used: Sams, James, J. Gyamfi, Myring

Goals: Arlott-John 50, Kranthove 54