Report

Foxes flying start to the game was ultimately undone by poor defending and some good Mowbray, play as Foxes slipped to a defeat in this well contested friendly.

It was great to see Foxes start strongly, with goal scoring midfielder Ben Lumb coming close within the first couple of minutes. Foxes dominated and their pressure was incessant. Good attacking play won a free kick halfway between goal and half way line. Up strode Captain Jamie Gilbertson to smash home the free kick into the top corner for the goal of Foxes season so far.

At this stage all was looking good, with Foxes passing the ball around well, and adapting to a new formation, but did the good start case Foxes downfall? Unfortunately sloppy defending quickly allowed Mowbray back into the game. Foxes have had difficulties clearing the ball from their box before, prefering sometimes to try and dribble out rather than clear the danger. Whilst they shouldn't be criticised for trying to pass the ball and play good football, as they are finding out there is a time and a place for everything including a long clearance when under pressure in their own box!

So unfortunately Foxes failings caused them to leak two goals in quick succession. The remainder of the game saw an even match before Mowbray twice caught Foxes on the break, their final goal with some lovely passing as Foxes continued to bravely press forwards.

Even in defeat though there were any number of good performances and highlights. Harry Trenam bravely battling and even taking a ball flush in the face for his efforts, whilst Ben Lumbs twisting and turning runs proved a constant threat.

George Johnson Popple and Oliver Herod worked hard in both attack and midfield, whilst as ever Patrick Sherlock bravely took on opponents often twice his side. Matthew Phillips kicking improved again, keep practising Matthew, whilst Jamie Gilbertsons non stop running in both midfield and defence deserves credit and better still his continual encouragement to all his team mates despite the scoreline.

Finally though Ben Fowkes for a really determined performance at the back, often utilising real strength and committment to pressure opponents and never give up, whilst also providing signs of growing confidence on the ball, and providing the highlight of the game towards then end, when calmly controlling an opposition ball forward before looking up and skipping round an opponent and then releasing a lovely pass forward. Great to see training and practice used so well in a match - well done Ben!

Back to the league next week and hopefully winning ways but credit again where its due to a good Mowbray performance.