Mk Dons 0 City 2
Report by Kate Thompson
As Nigel Pearson had said, the team playing against MK Dons would be different from that against Rotherham, and that it would include some academy players. However, I was a bit surprised that all the substitutes were youngsters and two were included in the starting line-up, Kieran Kennedy (wearing the no 6 shirt) and the manager’s son James (wearing no 2).
City started brightly and had the best of the first half, but it took to the 23rd minute for them to score and then it took a lucky deflection from Nugent to beat the former City loanee David Martin. In the second half MK Dons were a lot livelier and asked quite a lot of questions of the defence. However, they stood firm and there were some brave blocks. When Hamer flapped at the ball leaving the goal wide open, Andy King stepped in to clear off the line.
The second goal was a beauty and came from an unlikely source – young James Pearson, who scored a screamer from about 30 yards out. Both he and Kennedy emerged with considerable credit, the latter nearly making man of the match from the Radio Leicester commentators.
This ‘honour’ went to Marc Albrighton and I would agree; he looks a great prospect and I do wonder why Villa saw fit to let him leave. The substitutes were Jak McCourt, Alie Sesay and Jack Barmby.
So which of the first-team squad impressed (or otherwise?). I was very disappointed with Chris Wood, who I was willing to have a good game, and I can see him leaving the club either permanently or on loan. Mahrez had a quiet game but we know what he is capable of.
Hamer looked nervy on occasions but then Schmeichel flapped at a ball and missed it against Preston, so perhaps I shouldn’t be too hard on him. I wish he’d shave that awful beard off though! Morgan was pretty solid and Schlupp was lively, but I can’t see him playing at left back against some of the Premiership forwards, as he would very soon get caught out.
I like Andy King and I think he did enough to get a starting place, but perhaps not at the expense of Drinkwater and James who must be the preferred central midfield players. Hammond is at best a fringe player.
Nugent scored a good, although lucky goal, but missed some sitters especially one in the second half when he found himself unmarked on the penalty spot but managed to screw the ball wide.
Hopefully, Pearson and his staff have an idea now of who will start against Everton, and the game against Rotherham will confirm their choices (or not). Of last night’s team, only Morgan, Albrighton, Mahrez and Nugent would be my choice – plus Schmeichel, De Laet, Konchesky, Moore, Drinkwater, James and Vardy.
City: Hamer, Pearson (McCourt 71), Morgan (c), Kennedy (Sesay 79), Schlupp, Mahrez (Barmby 75), King, Hammond, Albrighton, Nugent, Wood. Subs Not Used: Logan, Panayiotou , Cain, Blyth
Goals: Nugent 24, Pearson 68
MK Dons: Martin, Hodson (Baldock 74), Lewington (c) (Tilney 73), McFadzean (Hickford 85), Kay (Tingey 85), Alli (Randall 68), Potter (B. Trialist 68) Green (Rasolu 79), Bowditch (Powell 46), Reeves (Hitchcock 53), Afobe (A. Trialist 68). Subs Not Used: McLoughlin, Burns, Flanagan, Summerfield.
Referee: Mr. Gavin Ward Attendance: 4,332 (1,217 away)
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