Town's second string will feel they should have got more than a draw from their game with Leicester. As it was Dean Bowditch's first half opener was equalised by Kevin Larvin in the second period.

Steve McCall's side went close twice within the first couple of minutes, Alun Armstrong hitting a shot which was saved before Martijn Reuser curled a trademark freekick just wide after a foul on Matt Richards.

Town were having by far the best of it and on 20 they went ahead. Alun Armstrong drew the keeper on the right of goal before playing a low ball into Dean Bowditch who made no mistake from ten yards.

Leicester were to have just one opportunity in the first period, John Sutton hitting a shot into the sidenetting after a Naylor airshot on the edge of the area had left him in the clear. To be fair to Naylor he hadn't put a foot wrong up to then in his new role on the right of the central defensive three.

Reuser was to come close twice more before the break, one shot going just by the post and the other forcing Simon Royce into a save after Nabil Abidallah had played a corner to the edge of the area. The ex-Ajax man hit a well-struck shot which Royce could only push out for a corner.

Scorer Bowditch had further opportunities to hit the net, just failing to get on the end of a Reuser cross from the right and then hitting Royce's feet when put through one-on-one by Ian Westlake.

Westlake was to have the first chance of the second period, cutting in after receiving a short corner and hitting a shot which was saved by Royce. The former Southend keeper also palmed away Beevers' rebound. Royce was back in action less than a minute later, saving Justin Miller's well hit shot.

Leicester were coming more and more into it and there was danger for James Pullen when John Sutton headed the ball from his hands. Fortunately he recovered although referee Mr Lee might have given a freekick.

The visitors were looking the better side and it was little surprise when they got back on terms on the hour, Jon Stevenson putting sub Kevin Larvin through who beat Pullen with little trouble.

The somewhat anonymous Armstrong was replaced with Sam Morrow a minute later as Town sought to get back in front. On 66 the Blues had a shout for a penalty when the impressive Bowditch tried to bring the ball inside a defender. As he did so the ball appeared to strike the defender's hand but both referee and linesman were poorly placed and failed to see the incident.

Chances were few and far between and Royce continued to foil Reuser, while Beevers headed a corner over when he ought to have done better. Matt Richards put a Reuser cross over the bar from close in after an impressive Town move involving a number of players.

Town's last opportunity saw Reuser get on the end of an excellent Justin Miller pass but once again Royce got himself in the way.

A disappointing second half from Town after a first period where they ought to have been more than a goal up. At the back Justin Miller and Richard Naylor both had excellent games while Matt Bloomfield and Matt Richards did well at wing-back. Martijn Reuser had some good moments without ever really impressing himself on the game while scorer Bowditch continues to look a fine prospect.

Town: Pullen, Bloomfield, Richards, Beevers, Naylor, J Miller, Abidallah, Westlake, Armstrong (Morrow 61), Bowditch (Robinson 79), Reuser.

Photo: Action Images

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