O’Grady so close to a hat-trick

City Reserves striker Chris O’Grady missed a golden chance to complete a memorable hat-trick in an outstanding win at Crystal Palace this evening.

O’Grady, a used substitute in the recent first team match at Palace, staked his claim for a squad place at Sheffield on Saturday with two first half goals which helped City take an early grip.

A further goal by Max Gradel meant Leicester enjoyed a 3-1 advantage and they could have made it 4-1 had O’Grady gobbled his hat-trick chance when Levi Porter fed him a great cross. Sadly he could only hit the advertising boards from close range.

But, although conceding a late goal, City always remained in control to gain their third Premier Reserves League win of the season and probably their best scalp to date.

Palace had some excellent players when they beat City fairly comfortably in the Hinckley fixture but had been on a six game losing sequence recently.

James Wesolowski continued his comeback to football after a broken leg with a 45 minute session which obviously pleased coach Kenny Black.

Speaking to the Leicester City Official website afterwards he said that, apart from a rusty first 10 minutes, Wesolowski was soon back to his competitive self.

Tommy Black and Ryan Hall scored for Palace.

Leicester team:

Henderson, Magunda, Norval, Sheehan. Mattock, Gradel (Chambers 75), King, Porter, Muggleton (Wesolowski 46), O’Grady, Dodds.

For greater detail there’s a comprehensive report on the Official Crystal Palace website or see Webmaster on Talking Balls.