Leicester learn harsh reality of life in League One but youngsters provide silver lining

Uncertainty about the club’s future was matched by some on the pitch in 1-1 draw with Notts County

If Leicester thought this season was going to be the footballing equivalent of a gap year, visiting new places and learning some life lessons before returning home, then they were mistaken. Being outfought and outperformed by Notts County, a well-organised and energetic team promoted from the fourth tier, brought the harsh reality of life to the fore on Saturday.

Russell Martin’s desire to play out from the back provided the fragile foundation of a dispiriting performance for a team tipped to storm back up. Ollie Cooper charging down the ponderous Alex McCarthy before seeing the ball bounce back off the crossbar welcomed Leicester to League One within six minutes. McCarthy or the confused centre-back pairing of Caleb Okoli and Harry Souttar repeatedly gave the ball away in and around the penalty area as the team created their own problems. Things went so badly that a compilation of the slapstick defensive output quickly gained traction on social media.