Leicester City 4 Doncaster Rovers 0 - 7th April 2012

Foxes boost playoff hopes with resounding victory

Leicester have won eleven times at home in the Championship this season

Leicester City maintained their slim playoff hopes with a comfortable 4-0 win over relegation-threatened Doncaster United at the King Power Stadium.

Danny Drinkwater netted in the first-half following David Nugent's clever knock down, before Lee Peltier doubled the Foxes advantage after the break when his low cross somehow crept underneath Doncaster goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.

Ben Marshall put the game out of sight with a sublime curling strike from twenty yards, before substitute Paul Gallagher added a fourth with just minutes remaining.

It was a resounding victory for Leicester who are now unbeaten at the King Power Stadium since January, and one that closed the gap on sixth-placed Cardiff to just five points with as many games remaining in this Championship campaign.

Leicester came out swinging from the kick-off with David Nugent testing Carl Ikeme with a fierce strike from 30 yards, before Wes Morgan's clever header back across goal from a corner kick was almost turned in by Jermaine Beckford.

Beckford – who was showing no signs of any apparent fallout with Foxes manager Nigel Pearson after last weekend's 1-0 loss to Peterborough United – might have opened the scoring after five minutes after collecting Lee Peltier's ball into the Doncaster penalty area, but his shot lacked power and was easily cleared by the visitors.

At the other end, James Coppinger's shot from just outside the penalty area flew inches wide of Kasper Schmeichel's far post, while Giles Barnes came close for the away side moments later after a mix-up in defence between Sol Bamba and Wes Morgan.

Ben Marshall fired over the bar after initial good work out wide from Lloyd Dyer, before another defensive mistake gave Chris Brown the chance to give Doncaster an early advantage, but his shot failed to trouble Kasper Schmeichel.

Midway through the first-half, former Rovers captain Richie Wellens rose to meet Ben Marshall's out-swinging free-kick, but his header flew inches over the crossbar. 

The deadlock was eventually broken with just over ten minutes remaining in the first-half when David Nugent cleverly headed down Wes Morgan's long ball into the path of Danny Drinkwater, whose half-volley beat Carl Ikeme and clipped the inside of the post on its way in.

It was a cleverly worked goal from the Foxes, and Drinkwater's first since joining Leicester at the beginning of the year.

Doncaster looked good value for adding an equaliser before the break but Kasper Schmeichel did well to save James Coppinger's well-hit effort from outside the penalty area.

Leicester doubled their advantage two minutes into the second-half when Lee Peltier fired a low near post cross into the six yard box which initially appeared to have been comfortably dealt with by Carl Ikeme, only for the ball to squeeze underneath his body and across the goal line.

It was an agonising goal for Dean Saunders' side to concede but just the stroke of luck which some Foxes fans would argue their side has not received so far this season.

With the Foxes now in control, Paul Konchesky and Lloyd Dyer both had chances to extend the lead, but Ikeme this time was equal to both efforts.

At the other end, Chris Brown inexplicably headed over from six yards when it seemed easier to hit the target – a moment which summed up the visiting side's day.

With ten minutes remaining in the game, Ben Marshall added a third to Leicester's tally when he picked the ball up on the left-hand side of the pitch before cutting inside and firing a stunning twenty yard curling strike past the helpless Ikeme.

It was Ben Marshall's third goal for the Foxes and one which added to his collection of outstanding strikes as the youngster continues to make a real name for himself at the King Power Stadium.

With Doncaster on the ropes, Marshall and substitute Paul Gallagher came close to furthering the Foxes' lead with successive efforts on goal, before Marshall struck the crossbar with a looping shot which had Ikeme well-beaten.

Gallagher added a fourth for Leicester in the dying moments of the match, latching on to a dissecting pass from Andy King and firing into the bottom corner of the goal from eighteen yards.

It was the Scotsman's tenth goal of the season and a good confident boost for the out-of-favour forward who has seen his chances limited in recent weeks due to injury.

The final whistle put Doncaster out of their misery as they slip further into relegation trouble, while a comfortable home win for Nigel Pearson's side reignites their playoff hopes for this season.

Man of the match – Ben Marshall

Leicester City 2 Cardiff City 1 - 11th February 2012

Gallagher brace gives Leicester important win

Gallagher has scored seven goals for Leicester this season

Two goals from Paul Gallagher gave Leicester a deserved win over promotion-chasing Cardiff City to keep their own playoff hopes alive.

Gallagher scored from the penalty spot after Richie Wellens was clumsily fouled by Haris Vuckic, before the midfielder doubled Leicester's advantage with a fine second-half free-kick.

Peter Whittingham's penalty kick gave the visitors a lifeline, but Nigel Pearson's men held on to take an important three points, leaving the Foxes just six points outside the playoff places and ending Cardiff's nine game unbeaten streak.

Danny Drinkwater was handed his home debut by Nigel Pearson, and the former Manchester United man looked lively from the beginning, playing a dangerous ball across goal to Jermaine Beckford, but the in-form striker was unable to make contact.

Paul Gallagher volleyed wide for the Foxes after some good link-up play by Richie Wellens and Lee Peltier, while Chris Conley's bobbling shot was well-handled by Kasper Schmeichel.

Wellens then had an unorthodox overhead kick tipped away by Bluebirds' goalkeeper David Marshall, while Matt Mills' header from a free-kick flew inches wide of the far post.

Leicester continued to dominate possession in the first-half, looking more like the team in fourth place than thirteenth, with Jermaine Beckford and Paul Gallagher continuing to pepper away at the Cardiff goal.

With five minutes remaining in the first-half, Paul Konchesky hit a thunderous 25 yard volley on target, with David Marshall doing well to tip it around the post.

From the ensuing corner, Richie Wellens was untidily challenged by Cardiff's Haris Vuckic inside the penalty area, leaving referee Mark Halsey no option but to award the home side a spot kick, which was slammed home by Paul Gallagher to give Leicester a deserved half-time lead.

Leicester continued to dominate the game during the second-half, and came close to doubling their advantage when Danny Drinkwater dispossessed Peter Whittingham in midfield before finding Lloyd Dyer breaking down the left wing, whose pinpoint pass to David Nugent allowed the striker to fire across goal, but David Marshall made another excellent save to keep his side in the game.

The hosts did eventually get their second goal when Lloyd Dyer was bundled over on the edge of the Cardiff penalty area, allowing Paul Gallagher to curl a stunning free-kick over the wall from twenty yards.

The goal demonstrated the Scotsman's superb technique and ability from set pieces after a superb team counter-attack.

Substitute Rudy Gestede continued to be Cardiff's biggest threat, and won a penalty for the visitors against the run of play when Paul Konchesky was adjudged to have pushed the striker in the area following a corner kick.

Peter Whittingham made no mistake from the penalty spot, giving Malky Mackay's side a lifeline and the visiting fans something to cheer about.

As the minutes ticked away, Leicester substitute and home debutant Ben Marshall fired a long range shot over the crossbar, before playing a tempting near post ball towards Jermaine Beckford.

The hosts never looked like conceding a second goal, and the final whistle confirmed Leicester's first win in five games as their quest for a playoff spot continues.

Man of the Match – Danny Drinkwater

Leicester City 1 Ipswich Town 1 - 26th December 2011

Foxes share Boxing Day spoils

Paul Gallagher's second half penalty erased Leicester City's sluggish start to earn a deserved draw with Ipswich Town this afternoon at the King Power Stadium.

Lee Bowyer put the visitors ahead early on after Kasper Schmeichel had saved Michael Chopra's first-minute penalty.

But Gallagher equalised from the spot with twenty minutes remaining after Jason Scotland was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area.

Matt Mills should have won it for the Foxes in the dying minutes, but his header from six yards flew well wide of the mark.

The result extended Leicester's winless streak to four games, having won just two out of seven since the return of Nigel Pearson.

The home side got off to the worst possible start when Paul Konchesky conceded a penalty inside the first minute for a foul on Lee Martin.

Michael Chopra stepped up to take the spot kick, but Kasper Schmeichel was equal to it, excellently tipping the ball around the post.

Ipswich did take the lead just minutes later when Lee Bowyer's hanging ball into the penalty area was poorly dealt with by the Leicester defence, and it was Bowyer himself who was on hand to smash the ball past Schmeichel from six yards.

The goal was a soft one to concede, and uncharacteristic of a usually stingy defence under Nigel Pearson.

Ipswich could have been a man down shortly afterwards when last-man Ibrahima Sonko fouled Jermaine Beckford who was bearing down on goal, but referee Darren Drysdale only displayed a yellow card.

Paul Gallagher struck wide from the ensuing free-kick, before Jason Scotland tested Kasper Schmeichel with a long range strike after Sol Bamba was caught in possession.

Matt Mills did well to block Lee Martin's shot following an Ipswich counter attack, while Sol Bamba's mazy run forced Ipswich goalkeeper Aaran Lee-Barrett into a near post save at the other end.

The second-half saw Andy King replace Lloyd Dyer in midfield, but the game never failed to spark into life until Paul Konchesky's low cross found David Nugent, but Aaran Lee-Barrett kept the ball out with his legs.

The game fell back into a lull before the Foxes were awarded a spot kick half-way through the second half when Jason Scotland was penalised for handball.

Paul Gallagher stepped up to slam the ball past Lee-Barrett from twelve yards – his second consecutive goal at the King Power Stadium and seventh of the season.

The equaliser briefly sparked Leicester into life, as Yuki Abe's low shot was fumbled and eventually saved by Lee-Barrett in the Ipswich goal.

The hosts had a glorious chance to secure all three points in the dying minutes of the match when Paul Gallagher's corner kick picked out an unmarked Matt Mills inside the six yard box, but the Leicester skipper fired his header well wide of the mark.

The final whistle maintained Leicester's unbeaten run at home since the return of Nigel Pearson, but the Foxes have now taken just nine points from seven games in their quest for promotion this season.

Man of the Match – Yuki Abe

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

Leicester City 2 Norwich City 3 - 8th March 2011

Leicester’s playoff hopes were dealt a hammer blow last night as they were comfortably beaten at home by Norwich City.

Wes Hoolahan netted first for the Canaries before Richie Wellens’ header levelled for the hosts shortly after the restart.

Grant Holt restored the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot three minutes after the break before Aaron Wilbraham’s deflected strike put Paul Lambert’s men 3-1 ahead ten minutes later.

Paul Gallagher gave the Foxes a glimmer of hope with a stunning free-kick in second-half stoppage time but it was not enough to prevent a second defeat in four days.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men are now without a win in four games, having taken just one point from their last twelve in a run of form which leaves them tenth in the Championship; seven points adrift of the playoff places.

The loss also marked the end of Leicester’s twelve game unbeaten league run since the arrival of Eriksson – dating back to October 2010.

Leicester should have gone ahead within eight minutes when Bruno Berner – who replaced the injured Jeffrey Bruma from the side who lost 1-0 to QPR at the weekend – delivered a pinpoint cross to Yakubu at the back post, but the Nigerian international headed over from close range.

But it was Norwich who looked the more confident side as Sol Bamba did well to block a powerful shot by Andrew Surman after good work from Andrew Crofts.

Norwich took a deserved lead shortly after when Andrew Surman’s corner found Wes Hoolahan completely unmarked at the near post who headed past Ricardo into the top corner of the net.

It was a fine header from Hoolahan but the Foxes will wonder how they gave the Irishman so much time and space in front of goal.

However, Leicester were back in the game from an unlikely source just two minutes afterwards when Bruno Berner played another good ball into the box to Richie Wellens, who steered a downward header past Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy for his third league goal of the season.

The equaliser was just what Leicester needed, having been second best for the first twenty minutes.

The Foxes then began to play with the confidence seen throughout their excellent home run, with Yakubu testing John Ruddy with a turn and shot on goal in the penalty area.

Minutes before half-time, Richie Wellens’ cross was flicked on by Andy King into a dangerous position, but John Ruddy eventually managed to gather the ball despite pressure from Sol Bamba and Ben Mee in the penalty area.

The turning point in the match came two minutes after the break when Ben Mee was adjudged to have brought down Wes Hoolahan in the penalty area with a sliding tackle.

After consulting his linesman, Chris Foy eventually awarded the spot kick which Grant Holt blasted past Ricardo to restore the Canaries’ lead.

Norwich’s dominance continued and, just before the hour mark, Aaron Wilbraham made it 3-1 after picking the ball up inside the Leicester penalty area before passing Sol Bamba and unleashing a low drive which appeared to take a deflection off Ben Mee and past Ricardo at the near post.

With time becoming a factor, Eriksson introduced Paul Gallagher and Martyn Waghorn in an attempt to give Leicester wider options, but the Canaries were more than able to suffocate any chances with an impressive, swarming defensive effort.

With Leicester on the ropes, the visitors continued to look dangerous - especially through Andrew Crofts and David Fox who offered a quick tempo throughout the duration of the game which Leicester simply could not handle.

Ricardo was on hand to make a great diving save after Aaron Wilbraham was given far too much time to unleash a powerful strike, and, with two minutes remaining, Ben Mee’s slip almost allowed Grant Holt through in on goal, but Ricardo was out quickly to prevent a fourth goal.

Paul Gallagher scored with a sublime free-kick in injury time, but in the end it was no more than a consolation for the Foxes who in all honesty had been on the back foot for the majority of the second-half.

Paul Lambert will have been delighted with his team’s performance, whilst Sven-Goran Eriksson must know that his side now has a huge mountain to climb in order to achieve their goal of reaching the playoffs.



Man of the Match – Wes Hoolahan

Leicester City 4 Barnsley 1 - 5th February 2011

Andy King scored a goal in each half as Leicester extended their unbeaten run to six games after thrashing Barnsley 4-1 at the Walkers Stadium.

Paul Gallagher opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a fine shot from distance before Andy King’s clever chip over Tykes’ keeper Luke Steele doubled Leicester’s advantage.

Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back for Barnsley on the stroke of half-time, but King restored the Foxes’ two goal advantage just before the hour mark.

Kyle Naughton wrapped up a resounding victory with a 30 yard thunderbolt later on as Leicester continued their climb up the Championship table.

The win extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship since the arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson - celebrating his birthday today - back in October and kept their playoff push very much alive.

The match saw the return of Paul Gallagher to the starting line-up after picking up an injury in Leicester’s Carling Cup replay against Manchester City last month.

It only took fifteen minutes for the striker to make an impact on the game when his powerful shot from 25 yards flew into the top corner – despite goalkeeper Luke Steele getting a hand to the ball.

The goal sprung the game into life following a lacklustre opening quarter of an hour as Danny Haynes had a shot charged down by loan defender Ben Mee moments after.

At the other end, Richie Wellens played a nice one-two pass with Darius Vassell before the midfielder’s shot was well blocked by the Tykes’ backline.

Luke Steele then did well to prevent a second Leicester goal after Yakubu was played in behind the defence – the goalkeeper bravely diving out to collect the ball.

Vassell was then cynically fouled by Diego Arismendi after the former England international went on a storming run on goal before Patrick Van Aanholt’s subsequent free kick rattled the crossbar.

Just after the hour mark, Ben Mee made a crucial clearing header after Barnsley’s Matt Hill played a tempting ball into the Foxes’ penalty area.

Bobby Hassell’s shot from distance then had Chris Weale at full stretch in the Leicester goal after the Foxes failed to close down.

Barnsley maintained good possession towards the end of the first half, but found themselves 2-0 down when Andy King cleverly chipped the ball over Luke Steele from twelve yards after his initial shot was blocked.

It was the Welshman’s twelfth goal of the campaign and demonstrated the finesse possessed by the Leicester academy product.

Moments later, Frank Nouble – on loan from West Ham – had a goal disallowed for offside for Barnsley with Leicester defence temporarily switched off.

But Barnsley were handed a lifeline when Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back from just inside the penalty area in first-half injury time after the Foxes struggled to deal with a loose ball.

Nouble then came close to equalising before the break after he took the ball round Chris Weale, but Kyle Naughton was on hand to clear the ball off the line to prevent a certain goal.

After the break, Leicester continued to threaten from distance as Paul Gallagher and Richie Wellens both came close with long range shots.

But it was Barnsley who enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, testing the Foxes in midfield and threatening from both flanks.

Andy King then caught the Tykes out at the back just before the hour mark when he picked up on a poor pass and carried the ball 30 yards before curling a smart finish into the bottom corner for his second – and Leicester’s third - goal of the game.

Leicester continued to pepper the Barnsley goal through Paul Gallagher before some tidy passing between Yakubu and substitute Lloyd Dyer set Richie Wellens up – but his shot flew straight into the path of Luke Steele.

Leicester looked comfortable for the most part having restored their two goal cushion although Mark Robins’ side continued to attack through Danny Haynes who nearly latched onto a long ball – but Chris Weale was on hand to thwart the former Bristol City man.

With less than ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer played a scintillating through ball to Yakubu; however the Everton loanee was unable to get the ball out from under his feet which allowed Luke Steele to make another save for Barnsley.

Substitute Matt Oakley then had a ferocious shot tipped away by Steele, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Leicester’s fourth goal; a stunning 30 yard strike from Kyle Naughton which flew into the top corner.

It was the full-back’s third goal of the season and was a clear example of the ability possessed by the on-loan Tottenham youngster.

The final whilst indicated another home win for Leicester who climbed to eighth in the Championship – just three points outside the playoffs as Sven’s men continued their fine form at the Walkers Stadium.

Man of the Match – Andy King

Leicester City 2 - 2 Leeds United - 26th December 2010

Leicester City came from two goals down to rescue a point against high-flying Leeds United this afternoon at the Walkers Stadium.

Former Leicester man Max Gradel put the visitors ahead in the first half, while Robert Snodgrass doubled Leeds’ lead ten minutes after the break with an angled strike.

Paul Gallagher pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to give the Foxes hope after Leeds keeper Kasper Schmeichel brought down Darius Vassell, and Andy King’s thunderbolt from 25 yards ensured Sven-Goran Eriksson’s unbeaten home record in the league remained intact.

The result meant that Leeds slipped to third in the Championship after Cardiff’s 2-0 win over Coventry City, while Leicester remain in the bottom half of the table despite sitting just five points outside the playoffs.

The home side had the first chance of the match when Steve Howard’s snap shot from twenty yards out curled just past the Leeds goal.

But it was the away side who took the lead after nineteen minutes when Max Gradel capitalised on some sluggish Leicester defending – not helped by Kyle Naughton slipping in the penalty area at an unfortunate moment – to head the ball past Chris Kirkland from six yards out.

The first half contained few clear cut opportunities, although Leicester showed some promise on the half hour mark when Andy King’s clever cross was batted away by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, followed by a tight angled shot into the side netting by full back Greg Cunningham after a smart run into the penalty area.

Despite a deflected shot on target by Yuki Abe five minutes after the break, Leeds came out the stronger side in the second half and were soon rewarded for their superiority when Robert Snodgrass’s corner was headed back out to him, only for the Scotsman to blast the ball past Chris Kirkland from a tight angle and send the 3,000 plus visiting fans into delirium.

Gradel could have made it 3-0 moments later after cutting in behind the Leicester defence, but he could only find the side netting from an acute angle.

Leicester were handed a lifeline with just under twenty minutes remaining when Darius Vassell found himself one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel, only for the former England international to be brought down in the penalty area.

Referee Tony Bates awarded the spot kick, and although there appeared to be little contact between the two during the incident, Schmeichel might consider himself fortunate to only receive a caution for the foul as Vassell appeared to be in on goal.

Paul Gallagher stepped up to blast the penalty down the middle of the goal for his fourth goal in as many games, and to give Leicester an opportunity to rescue something from the match.

The Foxes found themselves level just five minutes later when Andy King picked the ball up 25 yards out from goal and hit a wonderful strike past Schmeichel, which hit the underside of the bar on his way in.

It was the Welsh international’s ninth goal of the season, and was a clear exhibition of how dangerous Leicester can be when playing their best football.

From that point it seemed as if either side could go on to win the game, with Leicester looking sharp on the break and Leeds continuing to look dangerous in attack despite being rocked somewhat by the home side’s comeback.

With time running out, Chris Kirkland pulled off a magnificent save with both sides scrambling for the ball in the Leicester penalty area, and Darius Vassell was unfairly brought down by Paul Connolly after using his blistering pace to break through the Leeds midfield.

There was one last moment of controversy when substitute Roman Bednar appeared to be pulled down in the penalty area – but the official did not award Leicester a second penalty.

In the last minute of injury time, Neil Collins squandered a final chance for Leeds when his header from a corner went harmlessly wide.

The final whistle extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship to eight games, while Simon Grayson’s men stayed firmly in the race for automatic promotion.

Man of the Match – Jack Hobbs

Leicester City 2 - 2 Sheffield United - 10th November 2010

Steve Howard scored a penalty in injury time to salvage a point for Leicester City against Sheffield United last night at the Walkers Stadium.

The hosts had initially gone ahead through Paul Gallagher’s superb free kick from 20 yards, but Mark Yeates netted twice for the Blades before half-time to give the visitors a slender lead.

However, Yeates was involved in Leicester’s equaliser when he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, allowing Steve Howard to bring the Foxes back on level terms in the second minute of stoppage time.

The result meant that Leicester’s unbeaten run at the Walkers Stadium now stretches back to September 18th, but City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will be happy to take a point knowing his side lacked the cutting edge demonstrated against Barnsley last weekend.

Leicester were rewarded for yet another bright start when Paul Gallagher’s curling free kick flew into the top corner after Martyn Waghorn was brought down on the edge of the area.

The home side were then dominant for the next twenty minutes, but created few clear cut chances other than Andy King heading wide of Steve Simonsen in the Sheffield United goal.

Shortly afterwards, the Foxes were punished for their inability to turn possession into goals when, just before the half hour mark, Sheffield United caught Leicester on the counter attack through Andy Reid, who was able to find Mark Yeates in plenty of time and space to curl the ball past the helpless Chris Weale.

And with five minutes before half-time, Yeates put the visitors ahead with a stunning free kick after he was brought down by Curtis Davies outside the box.

The second half saw Steve Howard and Lloyd Dyer replace Martyn Waghorn and home debutant Darius Vassell; however, chances were few and far between for the home side, who looked somewhat deflated.

Paul Gallagher came close with another free kick, but Steve Simonsen was equal to it, just managing to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

With ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer made a mazy run into the penalty area resulting in the ball falling at the feet of Steve Howard, whose shot from eighteen yards through a crowd of players was easily saved by Simonsen.

The defining point of the match came at the death when hero-turned-villain Mark Yeates handled the ball in the Blades’ penalty area in the second minute of stoppage time.

Steve Howard stepped up to blast the ball into the bottom corner from twelve yards for his fourth goal of the season, much to the jubilation – and relief – of the home fans.

In the final few seconds of the match, Kyle Naughton lashed the ball across the face of the goal with substitute Matty Fryatt in the penalty area, but was unable to pick him out.

The points were shared on the night, but Sheffield United manager Gary Speed will be frustrated to have not held on to win the game.

Meanwhile, Sven-Goran Eriksson knows his team must be more clinical in this weekend’s huge match at home to Derby County to earn bragging rights in the East Midlands.

Man of the Match – Mark Yeates