Martyn Waghorn's goal boosted Leicester City's promotion hopes this afternoon as they defeated playoff rivals Cardiff City in an entertaining match at the Walkers Stadium.
It was Waghorn's eighth goal of the season since the 20 year old joined the Foxes on loan from Sunderland at the beginning of the season.
Jack Hobbs, who was making his 100th league appearance for the Foxes, had the first clear cut chance of the game as his header inside the six yard box was blocked on the line.
Cardiff were also unlucky to not take the lead early on, as they were arguably the better side inside the first fifteen minutes, with Ross McCormack and Peter Whittingham coming close for the away side, forcing Jack Hobbs and Bruno Berner to make a string of fine tackles.
But it was Leicester who took the lead on 29 minutes when Andy King's header fell to an unmarked Waghorn inside the penalty area, who volleyed past Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall.
This, the only goal of the game, saw Cardiff slump to their fourth away league defeat in a row, piling more pressure on the club, who also face financial troubles off the field.
Mark Kennedy came close for the Bluebirds at the end of the first half when his 25 yard attempt whistled past Chris Weale's left post after Peter Whittingham's free kick was blocked.
McCormack looked the most likely player to equalise for Cardiff, who saw his first half shot cleared off the line by substitute Nobby Solano.
But Leicester defended astutely throughout the entire match, limiting the visitors to shots from distance, without really troubling Weale.
Paul Gallagher, who was recently named as February's Championship Player of the Month, was unlucky not to double Leicester's lead after a superb strike from 30 yards sailed agonisingly wide of the post.
Cardiff finished the stronger of the two teams, as McCormack saw a fine volley rise just over the bar, and Jay Bothroyd forcing Chris Weale to make a low near post save with minutes to go.
But the away side failed to capitalise on this sustained period of pressure, and Leicester held on to their slender margin to claim all three points.
Leicester were certainly good value for the three points, which left them fifth in the Championship - five points ahead of sixth place Cardiff.
However Cardiff Manager Dave Jones will be disappointed to have come away with nothing, his side having dominated possession for large parts of the game.
The 1-0 victory marked Leicester's tenth league home win of the season, and a second consecutive clean sheet at the Walkers stadium.
Man of the Match - Jack Hobbs
Yes journalism class!
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