Three first-half goals handed Leicester City their first home win of the season despite a second-half onslaught by newly promoted Southampton.
Darius Vassell put the Foxes ahead after three minutes after connecting with Andy King’s deflected cross at the near post, before Richie Wellens doubled Leicester’s advantage with a sublime curling strike from 25 yards.
Dan Harding pulled a goal back for the visitors just before the half-hour mark by heading in Adam Lallana’s cross, but Rickie Lambert’s own goal in first-half stoppage time restored Leicester’s two-goal cushion.
David Connolly’s header after the break ensured a nervy final 30 minutes for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side but Leicester held on for the win, ending Southampton’s 100 percent start in the process.
The Foxes rode their luck at times after a wonderful display by Saints’ playmaker Adam Lallana but defended admirably at times to claim their first three points at the King Power Stadium this season.
The hosts were ahead in the third minute when Andy King’s dangerous ball into the area took a slight deflection before finding its way into the path of Darius Vassell at the near post, who was on hand to steer the ball past goalkeeper Kelvin Davis for his first goal of the season.
It was a dream start for Leicester, and very much deserved for showing no fear of the visitors who started the day at the top of the Championship table.
The Foxes then lost David Nugent to injury just moments later and was replaced by Jeffrey Schlupp, who had shone in Leicester’s Carling Cup campaign to date with four goals in two games.
Leicester continued to threaten with Andy King heading over and captain Matt Mills forcing Kelvin Davis into making a great save.
But Southampton should have been level when Jack Cork’s had broken behind the Foxes’ defence, but Sol Bamba did just enough to thwart his effort.
The Saints seemed most likely to score next, but it was the home side who extended their lead when Jeffrey Schlupp teed up Richie Wellens on the edge of the area, whose exquisite curling strike into the top corner from 25 yards gave Kelvin Davis no chance.
The goal came against the run of play but it was a fine strike from the former Doncaster man who had enjoyed a strong start to the game.
Southampton were back in the game six minutes later when Adam Lallana’s mazy run on the right-hand side of the penalty area caused John Pantsil to lose his footing, and the subsequent cross picked out Dan Harding free inside the area to nod the ball past Kasper Schmeichel at the near post.
The goal was well worked but also exploited Leicester’s frailties at the back; an issue which concerned Foxes fans during the second-half of last season.
Leicester responded well and came close to restoring their lead when Gelson Fernandes met Andy King’s cross, but his header was well-saved by Kelvin Davis.
Paul Konchesky tested Davis with a free-kick before Jeffrey Schlupp was thwarted inside the penalty area by Jose Fonte’s well-timed sliding tackle.
At the other end, Matt Mills’ important challenge prevented Adam Lallana from equalising – and in first-half stoppage time, Leicester restored their two goal cushion when Neil Danns’ corner was headed into the Southampton net by Rickie Lambert after pressure from Sol Bamba.
The visitors will have felt aggrieved as replays suggested that Bamba had climbed on Lambert to force the own goal, but it seemed like Leicester’s luck had finally changed as the referee waved away the Saints’ protests to end an action-packed opening 45 minutes.
The second-half continued at a similar pace with Paul Konchesky again coming close with a free-kick, but Southampton came out firing on all cylinders and only a fine save by Kasper Schmeichel prevented Guly Do Prado’s powerful strike from reducing the deficit.
But from the resulting corner, the Saints pulled a goal back when former Leicester man David Connolly met Adam Lallana’s in-swinging cross with a far post header.
With their tails up, Southampton began to increase the pressure on the home side in search of an equaliser, but Matt Mills’ fearless block prevented substitute Morgan Schneiderlin from finding an equaliser.
Mills then denied Adam Lallana before Kasper Schmeichel somehow denied David Connolly’s strike at the near post, which seemed certain to creep into the net.
With time running out, Rickie Lambert and Daniel Fox combined to send Adam Lallana clean through on goal, but Schmeichel raced off his line to make another fantastic save and keep the Foxes ahead.
With four minutes remaining, Schmeichel again used his big frame to deny the energetic Lallana from point-blank range after a good low cross from Daniel Fox.
An injury-time block from John Pantsil again denied Lallana who thoroughly deserved a goal on the day, and Leicester held on until the final whistle for their first home win of the season.
It was a huge win for Leicester who showed tremendous character to withstand enormous pressure from the visitors, and an important three points for Sven-Goran Eriksson find themselves tenth in the Championship before the international break following an inconsistent start to the season.
Man of the Match – Kasper Schmeichel
Sunday 28 August 2011
Thursday 18 August 2011
Leicester City 1 Bristol City 2 - 17th August 2011
Leicester City were dealt a second consecutive home defeat last night courtesy of a brace from Bristol City’s Nicky Maynard.
The visitors took the lead early on when Maynard found the bottom corner from a free-kick and could have been 2-0 ahead just before half-time had Maynard not rattled the crossbar with a penalty.
The Foxes equalised through David Nugent’s 25 yard second-half strike, but Sean St. Ledger’s critical slip on the half-way line allowed Maynard to play the ball past Kasper Schmeichel to restore The Robins’ lead.
It was a missed opportunity for Leicester to bounce back to winning ways after the weekend, while Keith Millen will have been delighted with his side’s first win of the season.
Sven-Goran Eriksson made five changes to the starting eleven that lost 2-0 to Reading on Saturday – including captain Matt Mills being dropped to the bench.
But despite the adjustments, it was the visitors who had the first chance on goal when Gelson Fernandes conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area – a chance which was converted when Neil Kilkenny laid the ball off to Nicky Maynard who crashed the ball into the bottom corner from twenty yards.
It was the worst possible start for a home side demonstrating a lack of confidence, and proved to be a real setback for the remainder of a very difficult first-half.
David Nugent created some space in the final third just before the half hour mark, but dragged his shot wide of the far post.
The key point in the first period occurred just before the break when Gelson Fernandes was adjudged to have clipped Jamal Campbell-Ryce in the penalty area, with referee Nigel Miller awarding the visiting side a penalty.
However, Maynard struck the crossbar with the resulting spot kick, which seemed to spark Leicester into life as Paul Gallagher hit the target moments later with a free-kick at the other end of the pitch.
The Foxes came out looking stronger after the break and were almost level through Andy King’s point-blank header, but goalkeeper Dean Gerken made a fantastic save to keep the visitors in front.
But it only took the hosts ten minutes to find an equaliser when Paul Gallagher dispossessed Neil Kilkenny in midfield before finding David Nugent, who found the net with a neat curling effort from 25 yards – his first as a Leicester player.
It was a much deserved goal for the former Portsmouth striker after being isolated for most of the match with very little support elsewhere.
Leicester tails were up and they should have taken the lead when Lloyd Dyer’s pinpoint pass to Paul Gallagher gave the forward plenty of time to tee up a strike, but the Scot could not hit the target.
Suddenly, against the run of play, Sean St. Ledger was dispossessed just inside his own half, allowing Nicky Maynard to bear down on goal and, despite the last ditch efforts of Sol Bamba, find the net for the second time in the match.
It was a tough break for the Foxes who had shown resilience to find themselves level, but was also an indication of why manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has shown interest in Maynard during the transfer window.
Leicester set about finding an equaliser and came agonisingly close when Richie Wellens’ cross-turned-shot sailed over Dean Gerken and hit Lewis Nyatanga on the line before bouncing back into the grateful hands to the goalkeeper.
But with time running out, Bristol City substitute Kalifa Cisse had a chance to put the game out of sight after some poor Leicester defending, but was wasteful with his effort which flew over.
Ryan Taylor then cleared the crossbar in stoppage time before Sol Bamba miscued a last-ditch shot wide of an open net after Neil Danns had forced Dean Gerken to spill the ball in a dangerous area.
Boos rang out at the final whistle - and with an imminent derby day at Nottingham Forest ahead, Eriksson will know things must improve to relieve any pressure upon him.
Man of the Match – Nicky Maynard
The visitors took the lead early on when Maynard found the bottom corner from a free-kick and could have been 2-0 ahead just before half-time had Maynard not rattled the crossbar with a penalty.
The Foxes equalised through David Nugent’s 25 yard second-half strike, but Sean St. Ledger’s critical slip on the half-way line allowed Maynard to play the ball past Kasper Schmeichel to restore The Robins’ lead.
It was a missed opportunity for Leicester to bounce back to winning ways after the weekend, while Keith Millen will have been delighted with his side’s first win of the season.
Sven-Goran Eriksson made five changes to the starting eleven that lost 2-0 to Reading on Saturday – including captain Matt Mills being dropped to the bench.
But despite the adjustments, it was the visitors who had the first chance on goal when Gelson Fernandes conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area – a chance which was converted when Neil Kilkenny laid the ball off to Nicky Maynard who crashed the ball into the bottom corner from twenty yards.
It was the worst possible start for a home side demonstrating a lack of confidence, and proved to be a real setback for the remainder of a very difficult first-half.
David Nugent created some space in the final third just before the half hour mark, but dragged his shot wide of the far post.
The key point in the first period occurred just before the break when Gelson Fernandes was adjudged to have clipped Jamal Campbell-Ryce in the penalty area, with referee Nigel Miller awarding the visiting side a penalty.
However, Maynard struck the crossbar with the resulting spot kick, which seemed to spark Leicester into life as Paul Gallagher hit the target moments later with a free-kick at the other end of the pitch.
The Foxes came out looking stronger after the break and were almost level through Andy King’s point-blank header, but goalkeeper Dean Gerken made a fantastic save to keep the visitors in front.
But it only took the hosts ten minutes to find an equaliser when Paul Gallagher dispossessed Neil Kilkenny in midfield before finding David Nugent, who found the net with a neat curling effort from 25 yards – his first as a Leicester player.
It was a much deserved goal for the former Portsmouth striker after being isolated for most of the match with very little support elsewhere.
Leicester tails were up and they should have taken the lead when Lloyd Dyer’s pinpoint pass to Paul Gallagher gave the forward plenty of time to tee up a strike, but the Scot could not hit the target.
Suddenly, against the run of play, Sean St. Ledger was dispossessed just inside his own half, allowing Nicky Maynard to bear down on goal and, despite the last ditch efforts of Sol Bamba, find the net for the second time in the match.
It was a tough break for the Foxes who had shown resilience to find themselves level, but was also an indication of why manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has shown interest in Maynard during the transfer window.
Leicester set about finding an equaliser and came agonisingly close when Richie Wellens’ cross-turned-shot sailed over Dean Gerken and hit Lewis Nyatanga on the line before bouncing back into the grateful hands to the goalkeeper.
But with time running out, Bristol City substitute Kalifa Cisse had a chance to put the game out of sight after some poor Leicester defending, but was wasteful with his effort which flew over.
Ryan Taylor then cleared the crossbar in stoppage time before Sol Bamba miscued a last-ditch shot wide of an open net after Neil Danns had forced Dean Gerken to spill the ball in a dangerous area.
Boos rang out at the final whistle - and with an imminent derby day at Nottingham Forest ahead, Eriksson will know things must improve to relieve any pressure upon him.
Man of the Match – Nicky Maynard
Saturday 13 August 2011
Leicester City 0 Reading 2 - 13th August 2011
Leicester's good start to the season was dealt a blow this afternoon as they were well beaten by a strong Reading side at the King Power Stadium.
Noel Hunt's put the visitors ahead just after the hour mark with a fine glancing header from Ian Harte`s corner kick.
Substitute Hal Robson-Kanu doubled the Royals' lead in the 90th minute with a fine strike into the top corner.
David Nugent came closest to scoring for the Foxes when his curling strike hit the inside of the post, while Andy King forced Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici into making a good save following a powerful shot from distance.
While there were positives to take away from the game, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will surely have some concerns over some sloppy defending, inaccurate passing and poor communication on the field.
Eriksson called up 18-year old youth product Jeffrey Schlupp into the starting eleven after his second-half hat-trick in Leicester's Carling Cup first round win over Rotherham United.
Ghanaian full-back John Pantsil also replaced the injured Lee Peltier in an otherwise unchanged side that beat Coventry City 1-0 last weekend.
However, it was the visitors who started positively in the early exchanges, finding plenty of time to pass the ball around without fear of being closed down by the Leicester backline, Mathieu Manset looking impressive early on after continually getting the better of former Reading captain Matt Mills, who looked unsettled for the Foxes for lengthy periods of the match.
The first chance of the match fell to Manset - who scored twice in five minutes against Millwall last week to rescue a point for the Royals - after cutting inside Mills and firing wide of Kasper Schmeichel's goal.
The Danish shot stopper was also on hand minutes later to make a fine save after Reading had once again unlocked the Leicester defence through Jimmy Kebe.
At the other end, Richie Wellens managed to pick out David Nugent with a free-kick into the Reading penalty area, but the chance was cut out by Reading's resolute backline.
Kebe continued to cause Leicester problems at the back; Yuki Abe's last-ditch challenge preventing the Malian international from releasing a shot on goal.
Reading should have taken the lead just before the hour mark from an Ian Harte corner but defender Alex Pearce inexplicably headed wide from point blank range following some lacklustre Leicester defending.
The hosts showed some life in the final ten minutes of the first-half when Richie Wellens picked out Neil Danns in the Reading penalty area, but his shot was quickly closed down by Alex Pearce.
Yuki Abe then tried his luck from long range, but his shot drifted wide of Federici's post.
Leicester continued to build pressure before the break, with David Nugent`s strike from deep inside the penalty area falling just wide of the mark - however the home side appeared to lack width in midfield and generally struggled to break the visitors down.
The second-half saw Yuki Abe replaced by Welsh international Andy King - and the substitution seemed to spark Leicester into life as David Nugent's fine curling strike agonisingly hit the inside of the post minutes after the restart.
At the other end, Schmeichel again was forced into close down Jimmy Kebe who continued to find ways to break through Leicester's defence - but the home side continued to threaten as Andy King`s vicious strike from 25 yards was tipped wide by Adam Federici.
Nugent headed over from Gelson Fernandes' ball into the box, but the visitors were soon ahead when some sloppy Leicester defending allowed Noel Hunt to head home Ian Harte`s corner kick at the near post, giving Schmeichel no chance.
The goal was no more than Reading deserved for their dominance - despite coming against the run of play - but Eriksson will have been disappointed to see his side failing to clear their lines from a set piece.
The second-half contained fewer clear cut chances as the match continued, although Jimmy Kebe could have doubled his side`s advantage when Mathieu Manset went to ground following a strong challenge with play was allowed to continue, but Leicester appeared to switch off completely, allowing the speedy forward to fire a shot just wide of the goal.
The incident sparked a furious reaction from Kasper Schmeichel who appeared to berate his defenders - including captain Matt Mills - as well as Richie Wellens.
As the game wound down, John Pantsil`s hanging cross was met by the head of makeshift striker Sol Bamba, but the Ivorian could not keep his effort down and flew harmlessly over the bar.
Reading eventually did double their lead in the 90th minute when Jimmy Kebe set up Hal Robson-Kanu inside the penalty area who drilled the ball into the roof of the net from twelve yards.
The Royals were good for their second goal, and it completed a fantastic away performance for Brian McDermott`s side who will have promotion hopes of their own this season.
The final whistle capped off a frustrating day at the office for Sven-Goran Eriksson, who will be disappointed with certain areas his side's performance for long spells of the game.
Man of the Match - Bongani Khumalo
Noel Hunt's put the visitors ahead just after the hour mark with a fine glancing header from Ian Harte`s corner kick.
Substitute Hal Robson-Kanu doubled the Royals' lead in the 90th minute with a fine strike into the top corner.
David Nugent came closest to scoring for the Foxes when his curling strike hit the inside of the post, while Andy King forced Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici into making a good save following a powerful shot from distance.
While there were positives to take away from the game, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will surely have some concerns over some sloppy defending, inaccurate passing and poor communication on the field.
Eriksson called up 18-year old youth product Jeffrey Schlupp into the starting eleven after his second-half hat-trick in Leicester's Carling Cup first round win over Rotherham United.
Ghanaian full-back John Pantsil also replaced the injured Lee Peltier in an otherwise unchanged side that beat Coventry City 1-0 last weekend.
However, it was the visitors who started positively in the early exchanges, finding plenty of time to pass the ball around without fear of being closed down by the Leicester backline, Mathieu Manset looking impressive early on after continually getting the better of former Reading captain Matt Mills, who looked unsettled for the Foxes for lengthy periods of the match.
The first chance of the match fell to Manset - who scored twice in five minutes against Millwall last week to rescue a point for the Royals - after cutting inside Mills and firing wide of Kasper Schmeichel's goal.
The Danish shot stopper was also on hand minutes later to make a fine save after Reading had once again unlocked the Leicester defence through Jimmy Kebe.
At the other end, Richie Wellens managed to pick out David Nugent with a free-kick into the Reading penalty area, but the chance was cut out by Reading's resolute backline.
Kebe continued to cause Leicester problems at the back; Yuki Abe's last-ditch challenge preventing the Malian international from releasing a shot on goal.
Reading should have taken the lead just before the hour mark from an Ian Harte corner but defender Alex Pearce inexplicably headed wide from point blank range following some lacklustre Leicester defending.
The hosts showed some life in the final ten minutes of the first-half when Richie Wellens picked out Neil Danns in the Reading penalty area, but his shot was quickly closed down by Alex Pearce.
Yuki Abe then tried his luck from long range, but his shot drifted wide of Federici's post.
Leicester continued to build pressure before the break, with David Nugent`s strike from deep inside the penalty area falling just wide of the mark - however the home side appeared to lack width in midfield and generally struggled to break the visitors down.
The second-half saw Yuki Abe replaced by Welsh international Andy King - and the substitution seemed to spark Leicester into life as David Nugent's fine curling strike agonisingly hit the inside of the post minutes after the restart.
At the other end, Schmeichel again was forced into close down Jimmy Kebe who continued to find ways to break through Leicester's defence - but the home side continued to threaten as Andy King`s vicious strike from 25 yards was tipped wide by Adam Federici.
Nugent headed over from Gelson Fernandes' ball into the box, but the visitors were soon ahead when some sloppy Leicester defending allowed Noel Hunt to head home Ian Harte`s corner kick at the near post, giving Schmeichel no chance.
The goal was no more than Reading deserved for their dominance - despite coming against the run of play - but Eriksson will have been disappointed to see his side failing to clear their lines from a set piece.
The second-half contained fewer clear cut chances as the match continued, although Jimmy Kebe could have doubled his side`s advantage when Mathieu Manset went to ground following a strong challenge with play was allowed to continue, but Leicester appeared to switch off completely, allowing the speedy forward to fire a shot just wide of the goal.
The incident sparked a furious reaction from Kasper Schmeichel who appeared to berate his defenders - including captain Matt Mills - as well as Richie Wellens.
As the game wound down, John Pantsil`s hanging cross was met by the head of makeshift striker Sol Bamba, but the Ivorian could not keep his effort down and flew harmlessly over the bar.
Reading eventually did double their lead in the 90th minute when Jimmy Kebe set up Hal Robson-Kanu inside the penalty area who drilled the ball into the roof of the net from twelve yards.
The Royals were good for their second goal, and it completed a fantastic away performance for Brian McDermott`s side who will have promotion hopes of their own this season.
The final whistle capped off a frustrating day at the office for Sven-Goran Eriksson, who will be disappointed with certain areas his side's performance for long spells of the game.
Man of the Match - Bongani Khumalo
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