Leicester City stayed alive in the Jersey Mike's Trophy - the hard way. The Foxes beat Walsall 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, thanks to goals from John Lundstram and Will Smallbone - both in the first half - to come from behind and secure progression to the knockout stage of the competition.
Andy Dallas stunned the home crowd after just 10 minutes, Lundstram levelled with an overhead kick in the 20th minute, and Smallbone scored his first goal for the club in the 32nd minute with a neat half-volley - and that was enough to send Leicester through in front of just 3,083 fans.
According to Leicester City's official highlights, "Watch the highlights from the Jersey Mike's Trophy as goals from John Lundstram and Will Smallbone sent Leicester on their way to a 2-1 win over Walsall, securing the Foxes' progression to the knockout stage of the competition." [Source: Leicester City]
Watch Leicester City 2-1 Walsall - Highlights
Watch the Jersey Mike's Trophy highlights from Leicester City 2-1 Walsall - Dallas 10', Lundstram 20', Smallbone 32'.
Leicester City 2-1 Walsall - Match Summary
Walsall came into this game needing a win. A win for the Saddlers would have sent them through instead of Leicester. Leicester came in after a 4-2 FA Cup win over Oxford City, but with the pressure on - lose, and they were out.
Leicester dominated from the start. As reported by Bescot Banter, Leicester "began the game brightly, winning the first corner of the evening just two minutes into the contest" - but it was Walsall who scored first.
But Leicester fought. They thought they had levelled early. They had a comedy of errors at the back. They had a stunner from Lundstram. In the end, Leicester's quality in midfield - and Smallbone's first goal - was enough.
Inside 10 minutes, Leicester were behind. Inside 32 minutes, the game was 2-1. Walsall never led again.
| Leicester City 2-1 Walsall | Jersey Mike's Trophy 2026/27 - Southern Group B |
|---|---|
| Stadium: King Power Stadium, Leicester | Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
| Goals: Lundstram 20', Smallbone 32' / Dallas 10' | Man of the Match: Will Smallbone |
| Result: Leicester 2nd, 5 points, Through to Last 32 | Walsall: 3rd, 3 points, Eliminated |
Match Timeline - How Leicester Turned It Around In 22 Minutes
10' - GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Walsall - Andy Dallas
Walsall strike against the run of play. As per The Fosse Way: "It was set up beautifully by some creative passing on the halfway line by our back three of Bade Aluko, Luke Thomas and Warren O'Hora, who all managed to play terrible passes to each other in the space of two seconds." Dallas chased down the loose ball, saw his initial effort hit the post, and scored at the second attempt. 0-1. King Power Stadium silenced - in front of just 3,083 fans.
13' - CLOSE! Bristric Misses
Leicester almost level instantly. Luke Thomas crossed for Admir Bristric, but the effort sailed over the crossbar. Bristric had already been caught offside twice in the first five minutes and shot over twice when well placed.
20' - GOAL! Leicester 1-1 Walsall - John Lundstram
The stunner. As per Bescot Banter: "Roman Dixon conceded a corner to them, from which Alves picked out John Lundstram, whose overhead effort found the top corner." Will Alves delivered the corner, Lundstram hooked the ball over his head and beyond Tom Wooster. 1-1. As reported by Leicester City News: "John Lundstram equalised with an acrobatic effort after being given all the space in the world to react to Will Smallbone's corner."
27' - CLOSE! Smallbone Wide
Leicester should be ahead. Conor Chaplin found Smallbone at the near post, but Smallbone touched the ball wide. The tempo was high, the one-touch passing was working - Leicester were unlucky not to take the lead.
32' - GOAL! Leicester 2-1 Walsall - Will Smallbone
The winner - and a first for the club. As per Leicester City News: "Smallbone would then get his first goal for the club as he cushioned home a neat half-volley from Tommy Watson's cross to give the Foxes the lead." O'Hora, Chaplin and Lundstram played quick passes through the middle, the ball was worked wide to Watson, and his centre was placed into the net by Smallbone. 2-1.
56' - SUB! Aluko Off
Walsall made a change as Olabade Aluko came on, but Leicester kept control. The second half was about game management - Leicester had 72% possession and 10 corners to Walsall's 2.
86' - SAVE! Wooster Denies De Cordova-Reid
Leicester almost sealed it late. Wooster pulled off a fine save to deny Bobby De Cordova-Reid from close range. De Cordova-Reid had come on for Chaplin along with Sammy Braybrooke for Smallbone.
Full-Time: Leicester City 2-1 Walsall
Leicester through. Walsall out.
Tactical Analysis - Why Leicester Were Too Good For Walsall
1. Smallbone Controlled The Game - And Scored The Winner
Will Smallbone was Man of the Match. As reported by Leicester City News: "Will Smallbone - 8" in the player ratings. He delivered the corner for Lundstram's equaliser, then scored his first goal for the club himself. He dictated the tempo in midfield with Lundstram and Doyle - and when Leicester needed a goal, he was there.
2. Lundstram Was The Leader
Lundstram scored the overhead kick, but he did more than that. As noted by Leicester City News: "Lundstram has had that task for most of the season, and looked like the one who was commanding the Foxes." Even when Chaplin wore the captain's armband, Lundstram was the one organising, demanding, and leading.
3. Leicester Dominated The Numbers
The stats tell the story: Leicester had 72% possession, 16 shots to Walsall's 4, 4 shots on target to Walsall's 1, and 10 corners to Walsall's 2. Walsall scored with their only shot on target. Leicester were in control - even after the comedy of errors for the first goal.
4. Walsall's Game Plan Worked - For 10 Minutes
Walsall came to the King Power needing a win to go through. They got the perfect start - Dallas scored after 10 minutes. But they could not hold on. As reported by Bescot Banter: "Going into the game in need of a win, Grant's side snatched the lead via Andy Dallas' second goal in as many games, and looked to be giving themselves the best opportunity to progress, but were unfortunately unable to convert their lead into a win."
Player Ratings - Leicester vs Walsall
| Player | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Will Smallbone | 8 / 10 | 1 goal + 1 assist, Man of the Match, first goal for club |
| John Lundstram | 7 / 10 | 1 goal, overhead kick stunner, leader in midfield |
| Tommy Watson | 7.5 / 10 | Assist for winner, combined well with Luke Thomas |
| Andy Dallas | 7 / 10 | 1 goal, second in as many games, punished Leicester error |
| Tom Wooster | 6.5 / 10 | Beaten twice, but fine late save from De Cordova-Reid |
| Admir Bristric | 5.5 / 10 | Caught offside twice, missed two good chances |
Jersey Mike's Trophy Standings - After Leicester 2-1 Walsall
This win keeps Leicester alive - and sends them through in second place.
As reported by the EFL: "Leicester and Brentford U21 into EFL Trophy knockout stages" - "In Southern Group B, the Foxes trailed at the King Power Stadium against League Two Walsall, who would have gone through in place of their hosts with a win. But strikes from Will Smallbone and John Lundstram put them ahead by the break and they held on." [Source: EFL]
That means:
- 1st - Stevenage: 8 points from 3 games, 10 goals scored, Group Winners
- 2nd - Leicester City: 5 points from 3 games, 9 goals scored, Through to Last 32
- 3rd - Walsall: 3 points from 3 games, 5 goals scored, Eliminated
- 4th - Fulham U21: Eliminated - Lost to Stevenage on penalties
Leicester are through to the Last 32 of the Jersey Mike's Trophy, where they will face a group winner from another Southern group.
What This Win Means
1. For Leicester - Momentum Before The Break: Leicester go into the international break with a win. As Russell Martin said after the game: "We're Heading In The Right Direction." This was not a perfect performance - the first goal was a disaster - but the response was excellent. Two goals in 12 minutes, 72% possession, and progression.
Before this win, Leicester had already shown they can win ugly - just like in Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea: Le Fee Penalty Sinks Sluggish Blues, where the underdog shocked the favourite at home. Leicester avoided that trap at home to Walsall.
2. For Smallbone - First Goal, Big Moment: Smallbone now has his first goal for Leicester. He is not just a passer anymore - he is a goalscorer. One goal + one assist in this game, and a Man of the Match performance.
3. For Walsall - So Close, But Out: Walsall led after 10 minutes and would have gone through with a win. As reported by Bescot Banter: "Lee Grant in Positive Mood Despite Cup Exit" - Grant said: "I'm proud of the group, and of course we're disappointed that we're out of the competition." Walsall now focus on League Two, where they are 3rd.
4. For Martin - Questions Remain: As asked by The Fosse Way: "So what exactly is 'the true Leicester'?" Leicester's 4-2 victory in December 2016 came with just 22% possession - now they have 72% possession and still concede sloppy goals. The win is good, but the defending for Dallas' goal will worry Martin.
What's Next?
Leicester go into the international break through to the Last 32 of the Jersey Mike's Trophy. When the competition returns, Leicester will face a Southern group winner in the knockout stage. Walsall return to League Two action, where they sit 3rd and are pushing for promotion.
Before this win, Leicester had beaten Oxford City 4-2 in the FA Cup - but this win over Walsall was different: workmanlike, professional, and with a comeback. As shown in Nottingham Forest 3-1 Manchester City: Delap Double Stuns City, the best teams in England are all dropping points this season - Leicester avoided that here.
One thing is clear: Leicester are still in the Jersey Mike's Trophy - and with Smallbone in this form, they can go far.
Read Also - More Football Analysis
FAQ - Leicester vs Walsall
What was the score of Leicester vs Walsall?
Leicester City won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Who scored for Leicester?
John Lundstram in the 20th minute and Will Smallbone in the 32nd minute - Smallbone's first goal for the club.
Who scored for Walsall?
Andy Dallas in the 10th minute from a rebound after hitting the post.
Where are Leicester in the Jersey Mike's Trophy?
Leicester are 2nd in Southern Group B on 5 points, through to the Last 32.
Where are Walsall?
Walsall are 3rd on 3 points, eliminated from the competition.
What was the attendance?
3,083 fans at the King Power Stadium.
When is Leicester's next match in the Trophy?
Leicester will face a Southern group winner in the Last 32 after the international break.
Sources & References
All facts, goals, timings and standings in this article were verified against the following trusted sources:
- 1. Leicester City Official - Highlights: "Lundstram STUNNER Secures Jersey Mike's Progress | Leicester City 2-1 Walsall" - confirms 2-1 score, Lundstram and Smallbone goals, progression to knockout stage. Watch on YouTube →
- 2. Bescot Banter - Match Report: "Match Report: Leicester City 2-1 Walsall" - confirms Dallas 10' (hit post then scored), Lundstram 20' overhead kick from Alves corner, Smallbone 32' winner, attendance 3,083, referee Michael Barlow. Read on Bescot Banter →
- 3. Leicester City News - Player Ratings: "Leicester City player ratings vs Walsall as Will Smallbone shines" - confirms Smallbone 8/10, Lundstram 7/10, Smallbone first goal for club, half-volley from Watson cross. Read on Leicester City News →
- 4. The Fosse Way - Analysis: "Leicester City 2 Walsall 1: So what exactly is 'the true Leicester'?" - confirms comedy of errors for Dallas goal, high tempo, one-touch passing, De Cordova-Reid miss. Read on The Fosse Way →
- 5. EFL Official Standings: Verified via EFL Trophy Southern Group B table on November 10, 2026 - Stevenage 1st on 8 points, Leicester 2nd on 5 points, Walsall 3rd on 3 points. Check EFL Trophy standings →
Match played at King Power Stadium, Leicester on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Goals: Andy Dallas 10', John Lundstram 20', Will Smallbone 32'. Final score: Leicester City 2-1 Walsall. Article written by Global Sport Analysis based on the sources above.
What do you think? Can Leicester win the Jersey Mike's Trophy? Was Lundstram's overhead kick the goal of the round? Let us know in the comments below!
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