Leicester City’s return to League One began with a jolt at Meadow Lane on Saturday as Conor Grant’s 81st-minute equaliser earned Notts County a 1-1 draw in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,172. Jayden Joseph’s first senior goal for the Foxes looked set to settle the first meeting between the regional neighbours in 32 years before the Magpies struck late, as the BBC’s full-time coverage from Meadow Lane recorded.
Leicester’s official match report reflected the frustration of a side that arrived as clear favourites for promotion under head coach Russell Martin. Notts County, back in the third tier after an 11-year absence that included a spell outside the Football League, were the brighter side for long periods and hit the woodwork in each half.
A decade from the top of the Premier League
The weight of the occasion was impossible to ignore. Ten years on from the 5,000-1 Premier League title triumph, and five years after the club lifted the FA Cup for the first time, Leicester began a season in England’s third tier for only the second time in their 142-year history. Their only previous campaign at this level, in 2008-09, ended with the League One title and preceded the King Power takeover that transformed the club. The club relegated on the final day of that title season, Aston Villa, was contesting this month’s UEFA Super Cup with Paris Saint-Germain, a match we covered in full.
The recent decline has been steep: three relegations in four seasons, a summer clear-out that included the sale of former England international Harry Winks, the release of Zambia forward Patson Daka and the termination of Jannik Vestergaard’s contract, and a price tag of more than £200m attached to the club as it is offered for sale. Only three of the XI that started April’s relegation-deciding draw with Hull City began Saturday’s game.
Late drama after a goalless first half
Notts County started the stronger, Cal Roberts sending a dipping effort just over and Ollie Cooper’s slide tackle on goalkeeper Alex McCarthy deflecting the ball off the underside of the bar. Leicester improved as the half wore on, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid twice threatening and Sammy Braybrooke sending their best chance of the opening 45 minutes wide.
De Cordova-Reid beat goalkeeper James Belshaw with a dinked finish soon after the interval only for Nick Tsaroulla to clear off the line, and Lucas Ness wasted a one-on-one after intercepting a loose McCarthy pass. The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute when 20-year-old Joseph, on loan at Tranmere last season, converted a first-time finish from Braybrooke’s assist. Notts County refused to wilt: Emile Acquah hit the post with a diving header and Grant was ideally placed to slide home the rebound with nine minutes remaining, earning a point the hosts’ performance merited.
Summer rebuilds on both sides
Leicester’s overhaul extends beyond the departures. Australia international Harry Souttar captained the side with Sheffield United and Wrexham both chasing his signature, while Notts County sold their top two scorers from last season, Alassana Jatta and Matthew Dennis, and were without the injured Jodi Jones, the winger whose performance inspired their Wembley play-off final win over Salford City. The contrast with the top flight was stark: Arsenal completed the summer’s headline Premier League deal by signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle, a move we reported, while the EFL market saw Coventry City reunite with midfielder Gustavo Hamer, another deal covered here.
Martin, quoted by the club’s official website, said his team need more control, a fair reading of a performance that created chances but lacked composure in front of goal. The Foxes face Burton Albion at home next Saturday, while Notts County travel to Luton Town.
