COVENTRY City Under 18s were denied a superb win over unbeaten league champions Leicester City by a late equaliser.

Gregor Rioch's side were just four minutes from picking up all three points at the Alan Higgs Centre until the Foxes managed to grab a late leveller and maintain their undefeated record in 2009/10.

Shaun Jeffers grabbed the goal that put the Sky Blues ahead after a finely worked attack just after half-time.

But a poorly defended corner kick allowed the visitors to grab one back and salvage a share of the points.

After a goalless first half the Sky Blues were firmly in the driving seat but needed the head of Jermaine Grandison to keep the game goalless just four minutes after the restart.

The tall centre-half had to launch himself in the way of a goalbound shot to practically head the ball off the line after a small defensive mix up presented Leicester with an almost open net.

It was Coventry that took the lead though two minutes later when a move saw Callum Wilson sweep the ball from the left to Luke Bottomer who in turn found Jacob Blackwell to race to the goal line and cut a pass back for Jeffers to tap home inside the six-yard box.

Wilson tested the Leicester 'keeper himself on 58 minutes with a low shot from the edge of the area, forcing a low stop out of the Foxes shotstopper.

The visitors hit the outside of the post though four minutes after the hour when the left winger skipped past Grandison but could only stab the ball against the woodwork from a very tight angle.

The game turned further in the Sky Blues' favour on 71 minutes when Foxes skipper Cain Bolger was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence after handling the ball.

Leicester came close to an equaliser though on 79 minutes when a shot from 12 yards out was parried by Coventry 'keeper Lee Burge and cleared by Connor Gudger.

The visitors were level seven minutes later though when a floated in corner was only headed as far as 15 yards out, allowing Leicester to lash home a half volley low inside Burge's far post.

Rioch said: "It's a pleasing result overall although their equaliser was a bit disappointing so we need to work on defending long throw and corner deliveries.

"It's important to remember though that Leicester City are an extremely good side with the league title already under their belt so for our lads to perform like that is very pleasing to see.

"We have three games left to go this season so I think it's important we finish strong. No doubt this result willgive the lads a bit of a lift after the defeat to Tottenham at the weekend."

Check out post match interviews with Gregor Rioch and goalscorer Shaun Jeffers on Sky Blues Player NOW!!!