Under-18s stage comeback to beat Foxes

Three goals in eight second-half minutes completely turned the game around as our Under-18s battled back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at Leicester City in their final game before Christmas on Saturday.

Struggling in the opening 45 minutes, we trailed at the break to goals from Leicester’s Liam Loughlin, Kian Pennant and a penalty from Sidnei Tavares, Kion Etete on target for us.

But we reacted superbly in the second half, an increase in work rate coupled with the positive influence off the bench of attacker Enock Asante seeing us claim victory, Max Robson making it 3-2, Dennis Cirkin grabbing his second goal in as many league games and J’Neil Bennett completing the turnaround.

The Foxes quickly got on top at their training ground and had the majority of the early possession before Loughlin put them ahead at the back post following a cross from the right on 33 minutes. Striker Etete equalised three minutes later with a shot from near the edge of the box after some neat build-up play but Leicester continued to push and Pennant restored their lead on 39 minutes following a move that started with goalkeeper Oliver Bosworth. Tavares made it 3-1 from the spot in the first minute of first-half stoppage time when Kallum Cesay was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box.

Leicester did have a couple of opportunities in the early moments of the second half but we really upped our game, boosted by a lively performance from Asante, and kick-started the turnaround when left-back Cirkin charged into the box and worked the ball to midfielder Robson to convert from eight yards on 68 minutes. Within five minutes we were level as the superb Harvey White’s corner flicked off a defender and fell for Cirkin to score at the back post, before Bennett controlled Asante’s cross – again at the back stick – and finished well to put us ahead with 14 minutes remaining. Bennett could have added a fifth but was denied by Bosworth. Unfortunately, Asante couldn’t complete the match as he limped off with a hamstring injury in the closing stages.

Key moment

Robson’s goal on 68 minutes gave us more of a platform to build on and, at 3-2 down, we took full advantage in the following few moments to turn the game around.

Coach’s view

Under-18s Coach Matt Taylor reflected: “It was a game of two halves where the contrast in our performance was there for everybody to see. To go in at 3-1 down at half-time was probably a fair reflection of our performance in the first half because we weren’t good enough in defensive areas, didn’t stop enough crosses and ultimately paid the price for that. We had a very honest half-time talk and the boys came out and reacted extremely well. There was only one team in it in the second half and that was us, so for us to go and score three goals against a very good Leicester team and to win 4-3 was really pleasing. The reaction of the players was excellent in the second half and it showed me and hopefully it showed them that if they couple the commitment, the work rate, the desire and the effort with their undoubted ability then we’re a decent team.”

Matt also singled out midfielders Rafferty Pedder and White, plus attacker Asante, for praise: “I was really pleased for Rafferty Pedder who had his best performance of the season today – it’s now important that he kicks on from here,” he said. “Harvey White played well but unfortunately Enock Asante injured his hamstring after coming off the bench and changing the game for us. He was exceptional. We obviously hope that it’s not too bad – we’ve got a big month ahead in January in terms of fixtures and if we could have him available for as many of those as possible, that will be really good for us.”