The new season at the Walkers Stadium officially began last night, as Leicester City held Spanish giants Real Sociedad to a well deserved 0-0 draw.
Manager Rob Kelly gave starts to 2 summer signings. Andy Johnson played his first game at the Walkers in a Leicester shirt, and Darren Kenton returned to the club after his loan spell here 2 seasons ago.
The match was mainly dominated in the midfield, with both teams struggling to create goal-scoring opportunities. Iain Hume and Matty Fryatt both came close for the Foxes, as Mikel Alonso, brother of Liverpool star Xabi, crashed the crossbar in the best opportunity for the Spanish side.
Paul Henderson in the first half, and Conrad Logan in the second half, were both forced to make saves. Henderson in particular made a few good parries, one in particular when he tipped a De Cerio free kick over the crossbar. Both keepers looked to be in good form, and both will be battling for the number one keepers jersey against Luton Town in 7 days time, with Rab Douglas doubtful for the match.
The second half was a very tense affair, with both teams lacking the finishing touch infront of goal. City were excellent defending, with new club captain Paddy McCarthy having a good game at the heart of the Foxes defence. City struggled to create a chance, until the arrival of the tricky Elvis Hammond in place of the inaffective Hume. Hammond's pace and power proved too much at times for the Spanish defence, but still the Foxes could not find a breakthrough.
The match was mainly dominated in the midfield, with both teams struggling to create goal-scoring opportunities. Iain Hume and Matty Fryatt both came close for the Foxes, as Mikel Alonso, brother of Liverpool star Xabi, crashed the crossbar in the best opportunity for the Spanish side.
Paul Henderson in the first half, and Conrad Logan in the second half, were both forced to make saves. Henderson in particular made a few good parries, one in particular when he tipped a De Cerio free kick over the crossbar. Both keepers looked to be in good form, and both will be battling for the number one keepers jersey against Luton Town in 7 days time, with Rab Douglas doubtful for the match.
The second half was a very tense affair, with both teams lacking the finishing touch infront of goal. City were excellent defending, with new club captain Paddy McCarthy having a good game at the heart of the Foxes defence. City struggled to create a chance, until the arrival of the tricky Elvis Hammond in place of the inaffective Hume. Hammond's pace and power proved too much at times for the Spanish defence, but still the Foxes could not find a breakthrough.
Elvis Hammond.
CITY:-
Paul Henderson (Conrad Logan, 46)
Richard Stearman
Nils-Eric Johansson
Darren Kenton
Paddy McCarthy, captain
Alan Maybury
Danny Tiatto (Levi Porter, 75)
Andy Johnson
Stephen Hughes (Gareth Williams, 46)
Iain Hume (Elvis Hammond, 62)
Matty Fryatt
Unused subs:- Gareth McAuley, Josh Low, Mohammed Sylla, Chris O'Grady
Attendance:- 6,425.
After the match, manager Rob Kelly sounded happy with the teams performance, described the match as "good exercise." The excellent defence was also noticed by Kelly. "We didn't lose which is important and kept a cleen sheet."
City's final pre-season match will be tomorrow, when the Foxes take on Hinckley United at the Marston Stadium.
Attendance:- 6,425.
After the match, manager Rob Kelly sounded happy with the teams performance, described the match as "good exercise." The excellent defence was also noticed by Kelly. "We didn't lose which is important and kept a cleen sheet."
City's final pre-season match will be tomorrow, when the Foxes take on Hinckley United at the Marston Stadium.