Harrogate Town 3 Leicester City U21s 1: Advertiser player ratings

Simon Weaver used the fixture as an opportunity to hand some game-time to the players who have been on the fringes of his squad so far this term, and will have been delighted by what he saw.

His charges out-classed and out-worked the Foxes youngsters and, in truth, could have won the game by a greater margin.

Here's an assessment of the Town performance.

James Belshaw 7 - Will be disappointed not to have come away with his first clean-sheet of the season. Stood up well to deny Tyrese Shade one-on-one in the first half.

Warren Burrell 6 - Town’s Mr Consistent was guilty of two uncharacteristic defensive ricks in the right-back position. The first almost cost his side a goal before half-time, the second led to the Foxes grabbing a late consolation.

Jake Lawlor 7 - A first chance to have a proper look at the big centre-half and it is extremely encouraging to see that Town have a player of this quality in reserve. Look assured defensively and extremely comfortable in possession.

Kevin Lokko 8 - Such a threat at set-pieces. Came close to making it to two goals in as many starts for his new club, hitting a post and seeing two efforts blocked on the goal-line. Defended well, too, making an excellent covering challenge to thwart Shade.

Dan Jones 8 - A step-up in quality from his debut against Bolton on Saturday. Scored a goal, got forward well and provided the kind of width that only a natural left-footer can. Also read the game nicely in and around his own penalty area.

Tom Walker 7 - His most encouraging display in a Town shirt since joining the club in the summer. Cut inside off the right flank to good effect on a number of occasions and showed some neat footwork. Had a hand in Harrogate’s third goal.

Lloyd Kerry 7 - Went close to breaking the deadlock with a sweetly-struck volley. Was the stand-out performer in the centre of the park with a typically hard-working display. Effective with and without the ball.

Connor Kirby 7 - A tidy showing from the former Sheffield Wednesday man, who drilled one long-range strike narrowly over the cross-bar late in the first period. Quick across the ground and busy throughout.

Jack Emmett 8 - Bright and positive in possession, he ran at pace at the Leicester defence to good effect. Seemed absolutely determined to make the most of a rare chance to prove himself and certainly did that.

Jon Stead 7 - Showed up much better than he did on his last start, against Grimsby in the same competition. The way he took his goal is evidence that he still possesses those predatory instincts inside the box, though he should have had a second early in the second half when he shot straight at Jakbub Stolarczyk. His clever flick-on set Town away for their third goal.

Brendan Kiernan 8 - A constant threat. Set up Stead for 1-0 and got into plenty of dangerous positions. Scored one, and although he could have had a couple more had his finishing been better he must have played himself into contention for a starting berth up top when Town visit Bradford City next week.