Leicester 0 - 0 Middlesborough - 14th August 2010

Leicester and Middlesborough both picked up their first points of the season this afternoon in an entertaining goalless draw at the Walkers Stadium.

Both sides squandered decent opportunities to win their first league game of the new Championship campaign, with Leicester executing a fantastic attacking display under the guise of new manager Paulo Sousa.

But a fine string of saves from goalkeeper Jason Steele kept Middlesborough from going behind in the early stages.

Leicester were looking for their third consecutive victory against Gordon Strachan’s men, having beaten Middlesborough twice in the league last season.

DJ Campbell, who had spent two loan periods at Blackpool over the last two years after falling out of favour with former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, came close for the Foxes early on when his strong shot on goal was deflected over the bar.

From the ensuring corner, Andy King rattled the crossbar with a powerful header as Leicester continued to push for an opening goal.

At the other end of the pitch, Kris Boyd – recently signed from Rangers – appeared to be through on goal, but was thwarted by an excellent sliding tackle from Jack Hobbs before he could force goalkeeper Chris Weale into making a save.

Leicester continued to look threatening from set pieces as DJ Campbell’s long range free kick was tipped over the bar by Jason Steele.

Campbell then became the provider, playing Andy King through on goal who appeared to have scored his third goal in the space of a week – only for the linesman to rule it offside.

In the second half, Middlesborough started strongly as Nicky Bailey’s free kick was well saved by Chris Weale, but it was the home side again creating clearer cut chances to score as DJ Campbell’s header from an excellent Lloyd Dyer cross failed to hit the target after some excellent build up play from Robbie Neilson.

Moments later, Steve Howard’s curling effort was tipped round the post by Jason Steele.

As the game drew to a close, Middlesborough were unfortunate not to sneak a winner when Scott McDonald’s low drive was excellently saved by Chris Weale.

Leicester will feel as if they did enough to win the match, but in the end, both sides had to settle for a point, leaving both Paulo Sousa and Gordon Strachan looking for their first league win of the season.

Man of the Match – Robbie Neilson