Yakubu’s second-half equaliser earned Leicester City an away point in a lacklustre encounter against Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Steve Brooker scored for the home side within five minutes of being substituted on in the second-half.
Yakubu levelled for the Foxes with fifteen minutes remaining but his tenth goal of the season was not enough to prevent Leicester from being mathematically eliminated from the playoff race.
Doncaster, on the other hand, picked up the required point to cement their Championship status for next season.
It was a game of very few clear cut chances in which Leicester were arguably the better side in the first-half - and the away side thought that they had taken the lead early on, but Darius Vassell’s early goal was ruled out after it was adjudged to have been offside following a piercing through ball by Andy King.
Paul Gallagher then fired wide after a powerful run by Darius Vassell, while Ryan Mason fired high and wide for the home side at the other end.
Leicester began to grow into the game but were continually thwarted by Doncaster’s dogged defending, although the Foxes did come close when Richie Wellens’ ball over the top to Andy King forced George Friend to make a great block and prevent a goal scoring opportunity.
James Coppinger then fired wildly over the bar for Doncaster before Darius Vassell had a penalty shout waved away by referee Darren Deadman after the former England striker was appeared to be fouled in the area.
Paul Gallagher was next to test Neil Sullivan with a good free kick on target before Doncaster enjoyed a decent spell of possession at the end of the half, but tempting crosses by Ryan Mason and Jason Hayter lacked the vital final touch inside the penalty area to put the home side ahead.
Doncaster began the second-half as they ended the first and were soon ahead through substituted Steve Brooker who latched on to Neil Sullivan’s long ball before firing a 25 yard volley past the helpless Chris Weale.
It was most definitely a route one goal which was typical of Doncaster’s style of play during the first-half, having adopted mostly a 4-5-1 formation throughout the match.
The goal sparked Leicester into life and the visitors should have been level on the hour mark when Richie Wellens flicked on Yakubu’s header to Diomansy Kamara in the penalty area, but the Senegalese international fired high over the bar from six yards out.
Leicester eventually found their equaliser after 76 minutes when Darius Vassell found Steve Howard on the edge of the penalty area who did well to feed the ball through to Yakubu inside the box who then fired the ball past Neil Sullivan to bring the Foxes level.
It was a deserved leveller for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men and a milestone goal for Yakubu, who has now netted ten goals in nineteen appearances since joining the Foxes on loan from Everton at the start of the year.
Both sides searched for a winner as the minutes wound down and it was Doncaster who came closest when Chris Weale tipped Ryan Mason’s volley over the bar.
The final whistle blew after three minutes of stoppage time, meaning that Doncaster’s Championship status was secure for another year – but also that Leicester’s miniscule playoff hopes were officially over.
Man of the Match – Ryan Mason
Saturday 30 April 2011
Monday 25 April 2011
Leicester City 4 Watford 2 - 25th April 2011
Leicester City scored three second-half goals to come from behind against Watford to keep their own slim playoff hopes alive.
Marvin Sordell netted first for the Hornets before Jeffrey Bruma equalised with a long-range effort.
Sordell put the visitors ahead again before half-time but two goals from Yakubu after the break, separated by another stunning strike by Bruma, gave Leicester a much needed three points.
The win kept the Foxes mathematically in reach of the playoffs, but they would need to win their next two games comfortably and be relying on a number of other results to go in their favour.
The first half saw Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men adopt an unusual 4-5-1 formation, with Jeffrey Bruma playing in the centre of midfield, Yuki Abe on the right and Darius Vassell as the front man.
Leicester dominated possession in the first twenty minutes but failed to create many clear-cut chances, although Patrick Van Aanholt volleyed over from a corner before Paul Gallagher’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Scott Loach.
Watford threatened with the long ball but failed to really challenge the Leicester defence, as Miguel Vitor and Ben Mee looked comfortable dealing with the aerial threat of Troy Deeney and the prolific Danny Graham.
But the visitors did take the lead when Kyle Naughton was caught in possession by Marvin Sordell who cut inside Miguel Vitor before curling a sublime strike past Chris Weale.
It was a rare mistake by the Tottenham loanee but Sordell still had a lot of work to do before finding the net with his fourteenth goal of the season.
Foxes heads appeared to drop after going behind but were level ten minutes later when Jeffrey Bruma smashed a hopeful long-range drive past the helpless Scott Loach.
The goal came from nowhere but it was an important one and a fantastic way for the Chelsea loanee to open his account with Leicester.
Leicester looked good value to go into the break on level terms with their counterparts, but Watford restored their lead just two minutes later when Ben Mee’s slip inside the penalty area allowed Marvin Sordell to who find the net for the second time in twelve minutes with a low drive into the bottom corner.
The goal exposed Leicester’s defensive frailties that have trouble them in recent weeks, having now conceded eight goals in the last three games.
The Foxes also lost Richie Wellens to injury on the stroke of half-time, replaced by a second striker in the form of Yakubu – a positive substitution for which Sven-Goran Erikkson would be rewarded after the break.
Leicester came out all guns blazing in the second-half and within minutes were threatening for an equaliser with Patrick Van Aanholt finding Darius Vassell, whose shot was blocked over the bar.
Ben Mee then hit the crossbar with a shot through a crowd of Watford defenders, and after a goalmouth scramble in front of the Spion Kop, the ball just could not be guided past Scott Loach.
It seemed as if it was just a matter of time before an equaliser would come as Leicester continued to dominate the game - Andy King coming close to guiding Yuki Abe’s shot inside the far post, and Miguel Vitor’s header being tipped over the bar.
Leicester finally levelled when goalkeeper Scott Loach collided with Yakubu and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa on the edge of the box; the ball falling to the Nigerian striker who curled the ball into an empty net from a tight angle.
It was a tidy finish by the Yak who had not found the net since his hat-trick against his former club Middlesbrough three weeks ago.
Scott Loach looked visibly rocked by the error and spilled another high ball as Leicester pressed in search of a winner - and came close when Andy King found Darius Vassell inside the penalty area, but the former England striker was unable to connect with the ball.
But the hosts were ahead for the first time in the game when Jeffrey Bruma – in plenty of space - lashed a 30 yard drive past Scott Loach into the top corner.
It was a goal that bettered his earlier strike and is a certain contender for goal of the season; a memorable moment for the Dutchman – and for the Blue Army who had witnessed a complete turnaround in the last ten minutes.
And victory was secured two minutes later when Andy King latched onto a long ball before forcing Scott Loach to parry the ball into the feet of Yakubu who cleverly chipped over the goalkeeper for his second of the game and ninth since joining the Foxes on loan.
It was no more than Leicester deserved after a scintillating second-half performance that demonstrated their ability to tear teams apart when at their best.
Danny Graham fired wide for Watford late on before Alexsander Tunchev – making his first appearance in over a year - came on in injury time for the Foxes, much to the delight of the home fans.
The final whistle ensured a deserved three points for Sven-Goran Erikkson’s side, and although Leicester’s playoffs hopes were virtually ended with Nottingham Forest winning at Bristol City, it certainly gave the Blue Army something to smile about.
Man of the Match – Darius Vassell
Marvin Sordell netted first for the Hornets before Jeffrey Bruma equalised with a long-range effort.
Sordell put the visitors ahead again before half-time but two goals from Yakubu after the break, separated by another stunning strike by Bruma, gave Leicester a much needed three points.
The win kept the Foxes mathematically in reach of the playoffs, but they would need to win their next two games comfortably and be relying on a number of other results to go in their favour.
The first half saw Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men adopt an unusual 4-5-1 formation, with Jeffrey Bruma playing in the centre of midfield, Yuki Abe on the right and Darius Vassell as the front man.
Leicester dominated possession in the first twenty minutes but failed to create many clear-cut chances, although Patrick Van Aanholt volleyed over from a corner before Paul Gallagher’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Scott Loach.
Watford threatened with the long ball but failed to really challenge the Leicester defence, as Miguel Vitor and Ben Mee looked comfortable dealing with the aerial threat of Troy Deeney and the prolific Danny Graham.
But the visitors did take the lead when Kyle Naughton was caught in possession by Marvin Sordell who cut inside Miguel Vitor before curling a sublime strike past Chris Weale.
It was a rare mistake by the Tottenham loanee but Sordell still had a lot of work to do before finding the net with his fourteenth goal of the season.
Foxes heads appeared to drop after going behind but were level ten minutes later when Jeffrey Bruma smashed a hopeful long-range drive past the helpless Scott Loach.
The goal came from nowhere but it was an important one and a fantastic way for the Chelsea loanee to open his account with Leicester.
Leicester looked good value to go into the break on level terms with their counterparts, but Watford restored their lead just two minutes later when Ben Mee’s slip inside the penalty area allowed Marvin Sordell to who find the net for the second time in twelve minutes with a low drive into the bottom corner.
The goal exposed Leicester’s defensive frailties that have trouble them in recent weeks, having now conceded eight goals in the last three games.
The Foxes also lost Richie Wellens to injury on the stroke of half-time, replaced by a second striker in the form of Yakubu – a positive substitution for which Sven-Goran Erikkson would be rewarded after the break.
Leicester came out all guns blazing in the second-half and within minutes were threatening for an equaliser with Patrick Van Aanholt finding Darius Vassell, whose shot was blocked over the bar.
Ben Mee then hit the crossbar with a shot through a crowd of Watford defenders, and after a goalmouth scramble in front of the Spion Kop, the ball just could not be guided past Scott Loach.
It seemed as if it was just a matter of time before an equaliser would come as Leicester continued to dominate the game - Andy King coming close to guiding Yuki Abe’s shot inside the far post, and Miguel Vitor’s header being tipped over the bar.
Leicester finally levelled when goalkeeper Scott Loach collided with Yakubu and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa on the edge of the box; the ball falling to the Nigerian striker who curled the ball into an empty net from a tight angle.
It was a tidy finish by the Yak who had not found the net since his hat-trick against his former club Middlesbrough three weeks ago.
Scott Loach looked visibly rocked by the error and spilled another high ball as Leicester pressed in search of a winner - and came close when Andy King found Darius Vassell inside the penalty area, but the former England striker was unable to connect with the ball.
But the hosts were ahead for the first time in the game when Jeffrey Bruma – in plenty of space - lashed a 30 yard drive past Scott Loach into the top corner.
It was a goal that bettered his earlier strike and is a certain contender for goal of the season; a memorable moment for the Dutchman – and for the Blue Army who had witnessed a complete turnaround in the last ten minutes.
And victory was secured two minutes later when Andy King latched onto a long ball before forcing Scott Loach to parry the ball into the feet of Yakubu who cleverly chipped over the goalkeeper for his second of the game and ninth since joining the Foxes on loan.
It was no more than Leicester deserved after a scintillating second-half performance that demonstrated their ability to tear teams apart when at their best.
Danny Graham fired wide for Watford late on before Alexsander Tunchev – making his first appearance in over a year - came on in injury time for the Foxes, much to the delight of the home fans.
The final whistle ensured a deserved three points for Sven-Goran Erikkson’s side, and although Leicester’s playoffs hopes were virtually ended with Nottingham Forest winning at Bristol City, it certainly gave the Blue Army something to smile about.
Man of the Match – Darius Vassell
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Leicester City 1 Crystal Palace 1 - 12th April 2011
Leicester City came from a goal down to pick up a precious point against relegation-threatened Crystal Palace at the Walkers Stadium last night.
Sean Scannell scored against the run of play in the first half with a long-range strike that deceived Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale.
Matt Oakley levelled for the Foxes after half-time with a wonderful volley but Leicester were unable to break down a determined Crystal Palace side – who had Wilfried Zaha dismissed in second-half stoppage time for apparently spitting at Lloyd Dyer after reacting aggressively to a challenge by Patrick Van Aanholt.
The result left Leicester ninth in the Championship with just five games remaining, but results around them went favourably – meaning the Foxes closed the gap on sixth-placed Leeds United to just four points.
Sven-Goran Erikkson will have seen the result as a missed opportunity to catch up on the top six, however, with teams around Leicester failing to make ground.
Erikkson fielded the same starting eleven that beat Burnley 4-0 at the weekend, but with Palace defending in numbers, the Foxes found it much more difficult to create many clear cut chances – Diomansky Kamara posing the first real threat on 23 minutes when he latched on to Paul Gallagher’s cross into the penalty area; but the Senegalese striker’s effort failed to trouble goalkeeper Julian Speroni.
It was Crystal Palace who took the lead after half an hour when Sean Scannell fired a speculative effort that appeared to be a routine save for Chris Weale – but the Foxes’ keeper lost the ball in flight as it flew into the back of the net.
The goal was very much against the run of play, but Leicester responded positively at the other end with Sol Bamba forcing Julian Speroni into making a save after connecting with Paul Gallagher’s corner.
Gallagher then tested Speroni with a free-kick, before Diomansky Kamara saw his shot blocked over the bar.
Palace could have doubled their lead through Pablo Counago after a good run from Wilfried Zaha, but the Spaniard failed to hit the target from twelve yards.
The second-half saw Paul Gallagher replaced by Darius Vassell - a substitution that seemed to spark life into Leicester in the opening stages of the second period.
The Foxes were rewarded for their hard graft on 58 minutes when the ball fell sweetly to captain Matt Oakley, who drilled a thunderous volley past the helpless Speroni from eighteen yards.
It was the skipper’s first goal in two years, and it could not have come at a more important time for Leicester.
Chris Weale had to be alert just after the hour mark to keep out another Sean Scannell shot at the near post, but the visitors – despite having been a goal up – appeared content to play for a point, currently holding the worst away record in the Championship having taken just seven points from 21 games.
Patrick Van Aanholt forced Julian Speroni into a save at the near post with twenty minutes remaining before Yakubu inexplicably fired over the bar after a fantastic run by Darius Vassell.
With the pressure building, Steve Howard and Lloyd Dyer entered the fray – but Palace’s dogged defending kept the home side at bay and Leicester fans frustrated.
Patrick Van Aanholt fired a free-kick over the bar in stoppage time in what appeared to be Leicester’s last chance of the match – but the fullback was involved in more late drama after Wilfried Zaha reacted angrily to a crunching challenge on the flank by the Dutchman – who then appeared to spit at Lloyd Dyer, giving referee Ian Williamson little choice but to dismiss Zaha.
The full-time whistle blew after seven minutes of stoppage time, and although Leicester did battle back to pick up a valuable point, Sven-Goran Erikkson will know time is running out on the Foxes’ playoff hopes – but with five games remaining, anything is possible.
Man of the Match – Matt Oakley
Sean Scannell scored against the run of play in the first half with a long-range strike that deceived Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale.
Matt Oakley levelled for the Foxes after half-time with a wonderful volley but Leicester were unable to break down a determined Crystal Palace side – who had Wilfried Zaha dismissed in second-half stoppage time for apparently spitting at Lloyd Dyer after reacting aggressively to a challenge by Patrick Van Aanholt.
The result left Leicester ninth in the Championship with just five games remaining, but results around them went favourably – meaning the Foxes closed the gap on sixth-placed Leeds United to just four points.
Sven-Goran Erikkson will have seen the result as a missed opportunity to catch up on the top six, however, with teams around Leicester failing to make ground.
Erikkson fielded the same starting eleven that beat Burnley 4-0 at the weekend, but with Palace defending in numbers, the Foxes found it much more difficult to create many clear cut chances – Diomansky Kamara posing the first real threat on 23 minutes when he latched on to Paul Gallagher’s cross into the penalty area; but the Senegalese striker’s effort failed to trouble goalkeeper Julian Speroni.
It was Crystal Palace who took the lead after half an hour when Sean Scannell fired a speculative effort that appeared to be a routine save for Chris Weale – but the Foxes’ keeper lost the ball in flight as it flew into the back of the net.
The goal was very much against the run of play, but Leicester responded positively at the other end with Sol Bamba forcing Julian Speroni into making a save after connecting with Paul Gallagher’s corner.
Gallagher then tested Speroni with a free-kick, before Diomansky Kamara saw his shot blocked over the bar.
Palace could have doubled their lead through Pablo Counago after a good run from Wilfried Zaha, but the Spaniard failed to hit the target from twelve yards.
The second-half saw Paul Gallagher replaced by Darius Vassell - a substitution that seemed to spark life into Leicester in the opening stages of the second period.
The Foxes were rewarded for their hard graft on 58 minutes when the ball fell sweetly to captain Matt Oakley, who drilled a thunderous volley past the helpless Speroni from eighteen yards.
It was the skipper’s first goal in two years, and it could not have come at a more important time for Leicester.
Chris Weale had to be alert just after the hour mark to keep out another Sean Scannell shot at the near post, but the visitors – despite having been a goal up – appeared content to play for a point, currently holding the worst away record in the Championship having taken just seven points from 21 games.
Patrick Van Aanholt forced Julian Speroni into a save at the near post with twenty minutes remaining before Yakubu inexplicably fired over the bar after a fantastic run by Darius Vassell.
With the pressure building, Steve Howard and Lloyd Dyer entered the fray – but Palace’s dogged defending kept the home side at bay and Leicester fans frustrated.
Patrick Van Aanholt fired a free-kick over the bar in stoppage time in what appeared to be Leicester’s last chance of the match – but the fullback was involved in more late drama after Wilfried Zaha reacted angrily to a crunching challenge on the flank by the Dutchman – who then appeared to spit at Lloyd Dyer, giving referee Ian Williamson little choice but to dismiss Zaha.
The full-time whistle blew after seven minutes of stoppage time, and although Leicester did battle back to pick up a valuable point, Sven-Goran Erikkson will know time is running out on the Foxes’ playoff hopes – but with five games remaining, anything is possible.
Man of the Match – Matt Oakley
Saturday 9 April 2011
Leicester City 4 Burnley 0 - 9th April 2011
Two second-half goals from Paul Gallagher helped Leicester City to a resounding victory this afternoon as they thrashed Burnley to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Diomansky Kamara put the Foxes ahead midway through the first half, before Paul Gallagher doubled the lead in the second-half from the penalty spot after Kamara was fouled.
Gallagher netted again with twenty minutes ago with a long-range strike before Patrick Van Aanholt added a fourth to put the game out of sight.
It was an emphatic victory for Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men, who had seen their playoff aspirations fall by the wayside after winning just one out of the last six games.
But Erikkson will have been delighted with his side’s performance this afternoon; a result leaving them ninth in the Championship – five points behind sixth-placed Leeds.
Burnley, however, had the first real chance on goal when Aston Villa loanee Nathan Delfouneso’s strike took a deflection that almost deceived Chris Weale.
But Leicester soon found their feet and came close when excellent footwork from Yakubu in the Burnley penalty area set up Andy King at the near post, but the Welsh international could not get enough power on his shot to beat Brian Jensen.
Leicester were ahead minutes later when Yakubu – who was dominant against Burnley’s backline - broke into the penalty area before on-loan striker Diomansky Kamara took the ball off his feet and slotting past Brian Jensen.
It was a perfect start for the Senegalese international on his home debut for the Foxes – and indicative of his quick movement and excellent first touch.
Burnley rarely threatened the Leicester defence in the first-half but did struggle to deal with the power and presence of Yakubu and Kamara – two Premier League strikers who put on a scintillating display all afternoon.
Kamara continued to torment the visitors, turning the defence inside out before firing a powerful shot that was blocked inside the penalty area.
Burnley looked to take it to the home side after the break and might have found themselves level when Chris Weale initially spilled Nathan Delfouneso’s cross before recovering.
But moments later, Leicester were awarded a penalty when Andre Bikey felled Kamara in the penalty area after wonderful build-up play by Yakubu.
Paul Gallagher stepped up to power the ball past Brian Jensen – who might have done better from the spot kick – doubling the Foxes’ lead and giving Sven’s men a little breathing room.
Leicester began to play with real confidence and it was not long before Burnley were caught napping at the back again when Kamara played a through ball in towards Yakubu – and were it not for a last ditch challenge by Michael Duff, the Foxes may have been even further ahead.
Andre Bikey headed over from a free-kick in a rare Burnley attack with under half an hour to go before Patrick Van Aanholt tore down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Andy King on the edge of the box – but his shot was well closed down Bikey.
Leicester put the game out of sight with twenty minutes remaining when Patrick Van Aanholt found Paul Gallagher in plenty of space who set himself up for a superb low drive into the bottom corner for his second – and the hosts’ third - goal of the game.
Patrick Van Aanholt added a fourth with ten minutes remaining with an excellent curling effort from outside the penalty area after a fine layoff by Andy King.
It was the Dutchman’s first goal for Leicester since joining the club on loan from Chelsea, and was no more than he deserved after an outstanding performance both in attack and defence.
Leicester had chances to make the scoreline even more emphatic as Richie Wellens blasted a volley from distance against the post, and a fingertip save by Brian Jensen denied Paul Gallagher his hat-trick just minutes later.
Nathan Delfouneso fired high and wide in injury time – an effort that summed up Burnley’s afternoon in a match in which they were completely dominated.
The final whistle put Eddie Howe’s men out of their misery and issued a message to the rest of the chasing pack that Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men are still a threat in the playoff race.
Man of the Match – Diomansky Kamara
Diomansky Kamara put the Foxes ahead midway through the first half, before Paul Gallagher doubled the lead in the second-half from the penalty spot after Kamara was fouled.
Gallagher netted again with twenty minutes ago with a long-range strike before Patrick Van Aanholt added a fourth to put the game out of sight.
It was an emphatic victory for Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men, who had seen their playoff aspirations fall by the wayside after winning just one out of the last six games.
But Erikkson will have been delighted with his side’s performance this afternoon; a result leaving them ninth in the Championship – five points behind sixth-placed Leeds.
Burnley, however, had the first real chance on goal when Aston Villa loanee Nathan Delfouneso’s strike took a deflection that almost deceived Chris Weale.
But Leicester soon found their feet and came close when excellent footwork from Yakubu in the Burnley penalty area set up Andy King at the near post, but the Welsh international could not get enough power on his shot to beat Brian Jensen.
Leicester were ahead minutes later when Yakubu – who was dominant against Burnley’s backline - broke into the penalty area before on-loan striker Diomansky Kamara took the ball off his feet and slotting past Brian Jensen.
It was a perfect start for the Senegalese international on his home debut for the Foxes – and indicative of his quick movement and excellent first touch.
Burnley rarely threatened the Leicester defence in the first-half but did struggle to deal with the power and presence of Yakubu and Kamara – two Premier League strikers who put on a scintillating display all afternoon.
Kamara continued to torment the visitors, turning the defence inside out before firing a powerful shot that was blocked inside the penalty area.
Burnley looked to take it to the home side after the break and might have found themselves level when Chris Weale initially spilled Nathan Delfouneso’s cross before recovering.
But moments later, Leicester were awarded a penalty when Andre Bikey felled Kamara in the penalty area after wonderful build-up play by Yakubu.
Paul Gallagher stepped up to power the ball past Brian Jensen – who might have done better from the spot kick – doubling the Foxes’ lead and giving Sven’s men a little breathing room.
Leicester began to play with real confidence and it was not long before Burnley were caught napping at the back again when Kamara played a through ball in towards Yakubu – and were it not for a last ditch challenge by Michael Duff, the Foxes may have been even further ahead.
Andre Bikey headed over from a free-kick in a rare Burnley attack with under half an hour to go before Patrick Van Aanholt tore down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Andy King on the edge of the box – but his shot was well closed down Bikey.
Leicester put the game out of sight with twenty minutes remaining when Patrick Van Aanholt found Paul Gallagher in plenty of space who set himself up for a superb low drive into the bottom corner for his second – and the hosts’ third - goal of the game.
Patrick Van Aanholt added a fourth with ten minutes remaining with an excellent curling effort from outside the penalty area after a fine layoff by Andy King.
It was the Dutchman’s first goal for Leicester since joining the club on loan from Chelsea, and was no more than he deserved after an outstanding performance both in attack and defence.
Leicester had chances to make the scoreline even more emphatic as Richie Wellens blasted a volley from distance against the post, and a fingertip save by Brian Jensen denied Paul Gallagher his hat-trick just minutes later.
Nathan Delfouneso fired high and wide in injury time – an effort that summed up Burnley’s afternoon in a match in which they were completely dominated.
The final whistle put Eddie Howe’s men out of their misery and issued a message to the rest of the chasing pack that Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men are still a threat in the playoff race.
Man of the Match – Diomansky Kamara
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