Young star Jon Stevenson scored his first goal for Leicester City to leave Aston Villa still looking for their first Premiership win at Filbert Street.

The 19-year-old product of the Foxes youth academy came off the substitute's bench to earn new manager Micky Adams a second successive 2-2 draw since he replaced Dave Bassett.

Villa had the opportunities to have killed the game off with the lanky striker Peter Crouch and German Under-21 international Thomas Hitzlsperger impressing.

They will undoubtedly have major parts to play when Graham Taylor has finished reshaping his side in the summer when a clear-out of the current squad is anticipated.

But Villa could not douse the fighting spirit of Leicester for whom keeper Ian Walker produced several fine saves.

They played as if their lives depended on the outcome even though they are already relegated from the Premiership.

The emergence of the likes of Matthew Piper, Jon Ashton and Stevenson have ensured a silver lining to a disastrous season in which too many established players have under-achieved.

Man of the match Piper caused all sorts of problems down both flanks and has been the find of the season for Leicester.

And the point they secured took them to the 24 point mark - equalling the lowest-ever tally in the Premiership two years ago by Watford under current Villa manager Taylor.

Villa looked dangerous from the first whistle on the counter-attack and Steve Stone volleyed wide after getting on the edge of a deep cross from Jlloyd Samuel.

England Under-21 striker Peter Crouch had the ball in the net after nine minutes for Villa after Ian Walker had turned Thomas Hitzlsperger's initial shot onto a post but was adjudged to be offside.

Piper looked lively in the early stages for Leicester down the right flank but Villa were generally in command and they went ahead after 22 minutes.

Crouch gained control of the ball in midfield and supplied an inch perfect pass for Darius Vassell to run onto.

The England striker, on target against Paraguay in midweek, drove a low shot across Walker into the corner of the net for his 11th goal of the season.

Leicester's reply was instant with Muzzy Izzet netting from the penalty spot within 60 seconds for his fourth goal of the campaign.

Samuel made a rash challenge on Lee Marshall right on the edge of the area when there was no real danger and referee Graham Poll pointed to the spot.

Up stepped the transfer-listed Izzet to drill a powerful shot past Peter Enckelman but within three minutes Villa had regained the lead.

Hitzlsperger went past the challenges of Lee Marshall and Stefan Oakes before sending a low shot past Walker from the edge of the area.

Again Leicester retaliated in positive fashion and only the woodwork denied them a second quickfire equaliser.

Paul Dickov's centre picked out Piper and his shot beat Enckelman but rebounded back off the crossbar.

Walker twice denied Crouch before half-time to keep City in the hunt, blocking a left-footed effort and turning a overhead effort around the post low to his right.

Villa got well on top in the early stages of the second half and Walker was in the thick of the action.

He held onto a stinging shot from Steve Stone and then was well positioned to collect a Gareth Barry effort after Vassell had done well to keep the ball in play.

But he was relieved when Crouch curled a low 20-yard effort just wide after more good play by Vassell had set up the opportunity.

Leicester, however, refused to buckle and after 67 minutes substitute Stevenson brought them back on level terms for the second time.

Savage chipped the ball into the area and Stevenson was first to react as Villa appealed in vain for offside.

His first shot was blocked by Enckelman but he was on and to hammer home the rebound.

Villa finished strongly and Walker performed heroics to keep out last gasp efforts from Steve Staunton and Crouch.

Teams

Leicester Walker, Rowett, Elliott, Sinclair, Davidson (Heath 89), Izzet, Savage, Marshall (Ashton 51), Oakes (Stevenson 51), Dickov, Piper.

Subs Not Used: Price, Williamson.

Booked: Izzet.

Goals: Izzet 25 pen, Stevenson 67.

Aston Villa Enckelman, Delaney, Mellberg, Staunton, Samuel (Kachloul 79), Stone, Boateng, Hitzlsperger, Barry, Vassell (Balaban 80), Crouch.

Subs Not Used: Myhill, Angel, Hendrie.

Goals: Vassell 22, Hitzlsperger 27.

Att: 18,125

Ref: G Poll (Tring).