Leicester City 1 Everton 0
Report by Our Correspondent In Thailand.
Kingpower's 25th.anniversary celebration match was played between Leicester City and Everton at the Superchalasai Old National Stadium in the heart of Bangkok. Thailand has two national stadiums, both with international status, so that matches can take place simultaneously when hosting international cup tournaments.
The match was originally scheduled to kick off at 6-00p.m. but was changed to 6-20p.m. for local television. It actually started at 7-00p.m. but when you have lived here for a long time you will know that this is quite normal and you just smile, shrug your shoulders and say mai pen lai (never mind).
There was a near capacity crowd on a fine, humid night and Leicester played in their smart new blue strip and Everton in an also new all black away strip. Leicester lined up with a 4-4-2 system including a debut for new record signing Leo Ulloa.
Everton had the better of the early exchanges, but once settled into their stride Leicester became the better team, especially after the three minute drinks break halfway through. The first half highlights were a stunning diving save from Kasper Schmeichel, who flung himself to his left to beat away a vicious Everton strike, a stunning volley into the top left hand corner of the net by David Nugent, only to have it harshly disallowed by referee Mark Clattenburg and a super high energy display from Anthony Knockaert, who continually thrilled the crowd with his wizardry.
Leicester made nine changes at the break with only Wes Morgan and Liam Moore remaining. This was far better than a continuous string of substitutions and gave everyone a chance to impress after the long journey. The second half mainly belonged to The Foxes with Everton offering little going forward.
The winning goal came in the 65th. minute following great work down the right by the lively Marhez, a good cross and neat finish from Gary Taylor -Fletcher. Second half highlights included an introductory crunching tackle from Wasilewski, judged a foul by the referee, some classy moves by Mahrez and a very lively display by Jamie Vardy, who led the Everton defence a merry dance throughout. He also had a neat finish disallowed for offside.
The game started to peter out after the second three minute drinks break with Leicester running out deserved winners and the final whistle was followed by a presentation to both teams with a very nice trophy for Leicester.
From an exiled fan's point of view it was great to see the team playing live, a very good workout for all the players and it looking like a competitive well-balanced squad for the coming season. Another excellent p.r. job from Kingpower for the fans here in Thailand.
City First Half (4-4-2): Schmeichel; De Laet, Morgan (c), Moore, Konchesky; Knockaert, Drinkwater, James, Albrighton; Ulloa, Nugent.
City Second Half (4-2-3-1): Hamer; Moore, Morgan (c), Wasilewski, Schlupp; Hammond, King; Mahrez, Taylor-Fletcher, Vardy; Wood.
Everton First Half (4-2-3-1): Robles; Hibbert, Duffy, Distin, Garbutt; McCarthy, Barry; McGeady, Osman (c), Pienaar; Naismith.
Everton Second Half (3-4-3): Robles; Stones, Alcaraz, Distin (Lundstram 77); Browning, McCarthy (Kennedy 87), Gibson, Hibbert; Naismith (Hope 77), McAleny, Long.
Unused subs: Barkley.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation