Iversen’s shootout heroics save Leicester from shock at Stockport

Leicester’s season is up and running in the most unconvincing of manners after they defeated League Two Stockport County on penalties. Despite controlling the game, they struggled to create chances and had to rely on a shootout to scrape through thanks to debutant goalkeeper Daniel Iversen’s three saves.

Iversen had enjoyed a quiet game thanks to Leicester’s dominance but he showed what he could do when it mattered, saving three-quarters of Stockport’s penalties before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall completed the job. It was cruel on Stockport but they will be hoping this could kickstart their season too.

Youri Tielemans scored the first penalty and Antoni Sarcevic’s spot-kick was saved by Iversen, the goalkeeper repeated the trick from Scott Quigley after James Maddison saw his land under Vitezslav Jaros. Harvey Barnes made no mistake and late substitute Ryan Croasdale gave home fans hope. Ayoze Pérez then increased the volume by whacking the ball well over the bar but Iversen once again was the hero to repel Kyle Wootton, before Dewsbury-Hall secured victory.

The last time these two sides met at Edgeley Park was in 2008 in League One. Since then Stockport were relegated to play regional football and Leicester have won the Premier League. Their recent past has been less dramatic, starting the night with one win between them in eight league games this season, a sign of their struggles.

Brendan Rodgers making 10 changes was expected but Stockport swapping out six players from their weekend loss at Mansfield was a greater surprise. The less than full-strength home side did not deter a packed Edgeley Park, even though Stockport spent the opening stages doing their best to contain Leicester, and barely left their own half as a