With heavy rain adding to the general gloom caused by the sale of Gary McSheffrey it was no surprise to see a crowd of just over 20,000 at the Ricoh for this game, especially with live TV coverage as well.
City played their tried and tested 4-4-2 formation but with four central midfielders by trade, their natural instincts to move into the centre of the park leaving plenty of space for Leicester to exploit.
Luckily the visitors only really did so for the last 10 minutes of the first-half, forcing a succession of corners and half-chances which they could not convert.
The Sky Blues’ best chance came from a Don Hutchison free-kick which clipped the post and went behind.
Micky Adams made changes early on in the second period, with new signing El Idrissi aiming to make an impression and earn a longer deal.
The Moroccan showed some good touches and along with Kevin Thornton gave City a much better balance, stretching the game and creating space for Colin Cameron’s intelligent runs.
It was from one of these that a chance was fashioned for Dele Adebola that the big striker couldn’t quite divert into the net.
The weekend newspapers would have provided little comfort for Adebola, with City reportedly lining up a £1m bid for Sheffield United’s Ade Akinbiyi.
Micky Adams:
‘We could have been without Gary (MCSheffrey) for all sorts of reasons – he could have been suspended or injured.
‘We have played with him and without him before so it was not something that could concern us.
‘He has certain qualities that might have helped us but it wasn’t something we could worry about.’
Leicester boss Rob Kelly:
‘We can’t go anywhere and set our stall out to get a draw because you can come unstuck doing that.
‘I am pleased with our last two performances especially after the first two. I thought we played well in the first half and then had to show the other side of our game in the second period.
‘Our players showed they were up for the challenge and didn’t shirk a single thing and that is pleasing after the disappointment of the first couple of matches.’