Leicester City 2 Bristol City 0 – 6 October 2012

Foxes stay perfect at home

Leicester City have won five league games in a row at home this season

Leicester City climbed to the top of the Championship with a comfortable win over Bristol City at the King Power Stadium.

David Nugent netted his fifth goal of the season after latching on to a clever through ball from Jamie Vardy midway through the first-half.

The one-time England international was involved in Leicester’s second when Andy King’s chip into the box was bundled into the visitors’ net by defender Richard Foster, who was under pressure from Nugent inside the six-yard box.

Paul Konchesky and Sean St. Ledger both had to leave the game through injury after the break, but Nigel Pearson will be happy enough that his side maintained their 100 per cent league record at home.

With Cardiff City facing Ipswich Town in this evening’s late Championship fixture, victory for Leicester allowed them to climb above the Bluebirds and into first place.

Pearson named an unchanged starting eleven from the side that won 2-0 away at Huddersfield in midweek, and Leicester looked the sharper of the two sides from the start when David Nugent snuck in behind the Robins’ defence after a clever pass from Anthony Knockaert, but the shot was from a tight angle and directly into the path of goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Lloyd Dyer’s powerful shot was tipped round the post by Heaton after some trickery on the edge of the box, before Knockaert saw his low free-kick parried away for a corner.

Albert Adomah looked like the only real threat for the visitors, although he dragged his first-half shot well wide and never really troubled Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester continued to push forward in search of an opener, and came close to breaking the deadlock when Andy King played the ball to Jamie Vardy inside the Bristol City penalty area, but the former Fleetwood striker was unable to get the ball from under his feet in time to trouble the goalkeeper.

Vardy was, however, involved in Leicester’s first goal when he played the ball over the defence for Nugent, who showed great power in brushing past the last man and coolly slotting the ball past Tom Heaton.

It was a fantastically well-worked goal by the two strikers, and one that showed the instinctive nature of Nugent and his ability to burst away from defenders.

It was no surprise to see Leicester play with confidence in the first-half, having won their last four league games, and the midfield was particularly impressive in retaining the ball and forcing the opposition into making careless mistakes.

Knockaert tested Heaton with a long-range strike ten minutes before the break, before Wes Morgan’s important block forced Albert Adomah’s effort behind for a corner.

Leicester continued to pepper away at the Bristol City goal in the second-half with shots from Andy King and Anthony Knockaert, although the hosts may be accused of taking their foot off the gas after the break.

The Foxes did double their advantage with just over fifteen minutes remaining when Andy King’s cross into the box was inadvertently headed into the net by defender Richard Foster, with David Nugent putting him under pressure.

It was a deserved second goal for Leicester, who had been the stronger of the two sides for the majority of the match, and had played with confidence and composure throughout.

Bristol City's only real chance of the second-half came when substitute Zak Whitbread was caught in possession by Stephen Pearson, but his attempt to catch Kasper Schmeichel off his line from 40 yards flew well over the bar.

Leicester almost grabbed a third goal in second-half stoppage time, but Anthony Knockaert's curling shot was well-saved by Tom Heaton.

The final whistle gave Leicester their fifth consecutive league victory, and preserved their unbeaten record this season at the King Power Stadium.

While it may seem that the October international break has now come at the wrong time for the Foxes, Nigel Pearson will be glad of the two-week break to assess the fitness of Sean St. Ledger, who was substituted mid-way through the second half after he appeared to pull up with a hamstring problem.

Man of the Match – Liam Moore

Leicester City 3 Hull City 1 – 23 September 2012

Nugent nets hat-trick as Foxes tame Tigers

© isriya, Flickr

David Nugent scored his second, third and fourth goals of the season as Leicester's fine home run continues

David Nugent scored a hat-trick as Leicester won their second game in five days to give Nigel Pearson a win over his former employers.

Nugent opened the scoring after seven minutes with a fine curling strike after Danny Drinkwater’s shot had fallen kindly into his path.

Jay Simpson equalised for the visitors midway through the first-half, but Nugent grabbed his second goal five minutes before the break with a fine header into the bottom corner from Anthony Knockaert’s cross.

Hull manager Steve Bruce was sent to the stands in the second-half after an altercation with an assistant referee before Nugent completed his hat-trick in stoppage time after the Foxes caught the visitors on the break.

Leicester’s second win in five days pushes them up to seventh in the Championship, while they remain undefeated in league games at the King Power Stadium so far this season.

Nigel Pearson started with the same eleven that defeated Burnley on Wednesday night, and he only had to wait until the seventh minute to see his side go ahead as Danny Drinkwater’s ambitious strike hit Nugent inside the penalty area, before the frontman regained his composure to curl the ball past Hull goalkeeper Ben Amos.

It was the first time Leicester had scored in the opening half of a league game so far this season, and a sign that Nugent was back to his best after ending a baron run of not scoring in the Championship with his second goal in as many starts.

The home side continued to pressure Hull and could have doubled their lead when Jamie Vardy latched onto Anthony Knockaert’s through ball, but his shot was pushed behind by Ben Amos.

From the ensuing corner, the former Fleetwood Town striker saw his effort cleared off the line before David Nugent almost latched onto a Vardy cross as both forwards continued to cause the Hull defence problems.

However, the visitors grabbed an equaliser against the run of play when Sone Aluko fired the ball across goal and directly into the path of teammate Jay Simpson, who stuck a foot out to guide the slam the ball into the net.

Hull could have gone ahead moments later when Wes Morgan was caught in possession at the back by Jay Simpson, but Matty James was on hand to prevent the danger.

Anthony Knockaert’s quick footwork allowed him to pick out Ben Marshall on the flank who fired a dangerous ball into the area intended for Jamie Vardy, but the ball broke for Nugent who could only hit the side netting from a tight angle.

Leicester managed to restore their lead three minutes before half-time when Knockaert picked out David Nugent inside the penalty area with a fantastic cross, and the one-time England international leapt above his marker to head the ball past Ben Amos.

It was a well-worked goal that gave Leicester a deserved advantage before half-time after a first 45 minutes in which both sides had a number of good opportunities.

Jamie Vardy really should have made it 3-1 after the break after he found himself unmarked with the ball at his feet inside the penalty area, but his shot was somehow turned away by Amos.

Wes Morgan headed just over from a corner, while, at the other end, Sone Aluko kept Kasper Schmeichel alert with a decent strike from 25 yards.

Knockaert tested Amos from distance, before Ben Marshall dragged a shot wide as Leicester continued to knock on the door – and the task became much greater for Hull when their manager Steve Bruce was sent to the stands after a reacting angrily to a decision made by the assistant referee who had judged the ball to have gone out of play with Hull on the attack. 

The visitors’ best chance to equalise came from a Robert Koren free-kick which was tipped over the bar by Schmeichel, but as Hull continued to push forward, Leicester caught them on the counter-attack in stoppage time with Lloyd Dyer teeing up Nugent inside the penalty area to complete his hat-trick and give the hosts all three points.

The win meant that Leicester’s 100 per cent home record in the Championship remained intact, as Leicester now turn to two consecutive away games as they look to pick up their first points of the season on their travels.

Man of the Match – Anthony Knockaert 

Leicester City 2 Burnley 1 – 19 September 2012

Foxes fight back to take three points

Leicester are undefeated at the King Power Stadium in Championship games this season

Second-half goals from David Nugent and Jamie Vardy gave Leicester City all three points after falling behind at home to Burnley last night.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play through Dean Marney after just ten minutes, but David Nugent equalised for the Foxes less than two minutes after the restart.

Jamie Vardy put the home side ahead after his shot took a wicked deflection to deceive Burnley goalkeeper Lee Grant just before the hour mark, which turned out to be the winning goal on the night.

It was a third consecutive Championship home win for Nigel Pearson’s men, who have taken all of their league points at the King Power Stadium so far this season, and was a good response to a disappointing defeat against Wolves on Sunday.

The first-half was one of very little action, although Leicester looked the more positive side as Ben Marshall and Anthony Knockaert both tested Lee Grant in the Burnley goal with early strikes.

But it was the hosts who were outfoxed out after just ten minutes when Martin Paterson picked out Dean Marney on the right-hand side of the Leicester penalty area with a low pass, and the midfielder smashed the ball past Kasper Schmeichel at the near post to put Burnley ahead.

It was a well-created goal by Eddie Howe’s side, although Sean St. Ledger appeared to give Paterson far too much space on the flank to pick out his teammate.

Leicester seemed sluggish for the remainder of the half, the only notable chance coming five minutes before the internal when David Nugent’s effort from distance struck the top of the crossbar.

As expected, the hosts were much improved in the second-half and they were soon level when Burnley failed to deal with the presence of Jamie Vardy on the edge of the box – and when the ball somehow fell to David Nugent inside the area, his scuffed volley into the ground from ten yards just crept into the bottom corner.

It was hardly a glamorous goal for Nugent’s first of the season, but one that Leicester will certainly have taken after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes.

The equaliser sparked life into the hosts, as Ben Marshall and Jamie Vardy then linked up nicely for the former Fleetwood Town striker to test Lee Grant from close range, but the goalkeeper was equal to it and the chance went begging.

Leicester were ahead just before the hour mark when Anthony Knockaert’s quick feet allowed him to find Vardy on the right-side of the penalty area, and his shot took a huge deflection off Burnley defender Jason Shackell, resulting in the ball flying over the goalkeeper and into the net.

It was another ugly goal, but just the slice of fortune Leicester needed to get ahead in the match – and in truth, was a lead they just deserved after a positive start to the second-half.

Ben Marshall nearly doubled Leicester’s lead with a free-kick on the edge of the area that sailed just over the crossbar, before Cameron Stewart’s shot across goal at the other end kept the Leicester defence alert.

With just under twenty minutes remaining, David Nugent found Danny Drinkwater on the heels of the last defender, and the former Manchester United midfielder did exceptionally well to hold the ball up and test Lee Grant, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper and the chance came to nothing in the end.

Burnley substitute Sam Vokes struck the outside of the post in the final ten minutes of the game as the visitors pushed for an equalising goal, while at the other end, Anthony Knockaert almost put Leicester out of sight with a fierce strike which was turned away by Lee Grant.

Leicester squandered two glorious counter-attacks to put the game to bed with Lloyd Dyer, Paul Konchesky, and substitute Martyn Waghorn all pushing forward in numbers, but nevertheless, the home side were able to see out the remaining minutes and claim an important three points.

Leicester still boast a 100 per cent at home in the Championship this season, a record Nigel Pearson will be looking to continue this Sunday when his former club Hull City come to town.

Man of the Match – Anthony Knockaert

Leicester City 2 Coventry City 0 - 3rd March 2012

Foxes secure back-to-back wins

Leicester claimed back-to-back league wins for the first time in over a year this afternoon following a comfortable 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Coventry City.

Leicester City are now just seven points outside the play-off places

David Nugent put Leicester ahead in the first half after Neil Danns was thwarted from the penalty spot by Sky Blues goalkeeper Joe Murphy.

Jermaine Beckford doubled the hosts' advantage on the hour mark with a close-range finish, with Nugent again involved in the build-up alongside Richie Wellens.

Substitute Sammy Clingan saw his second-half penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, before Foxes full-back Paul Konchesky was shown dismissed for a dangerous foul on Alex Nimely late in the game.

Leicester held on to secure an important three points, registering consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

Nigel Pearson named an unchanged starting XI from the side that won at Derby County last week, although Jeffrey Schlupp was named among the replacements for the Foxes.

Leicester were given a glorious opportunity to take an early lead when captain Richie Wellens was cleared out by Martin Crainee inside the penalty area, giving referee Lee Probert no alternative but to point to the spot.

In the absence of set-piece specialist Paul Gallagher, Neil Danns stepped up to take the penalty but saw his effort pushed wide by Coventry's Joe Murphy.

The hosts did take the lead five minutes later when Jermaine Beckford's low shot was parried by Murphy into the path of David Nugent, who was quickest to react from six yards, claiming his thirteenth goal of the season.

It was an instinctive finish by the former England striker, whose goals have been very important to Leicester's recent good run of form.

At the other end, Alex Nimely came close for Coventry when he was given space to cut inside Lee Peltier but was unable to test Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester looked the side most likely to score the next goal, and could have doubled their lead when Sean St. Ledger latched onto Ben Marshall's corner kick at the back post, but the Republic of Ireland international could only volley over from close range.

Leicester wasted another good chance to extend their lead when Jermaine Beckford's dicing pass split open a disorganised Coventry backline, but Ben Marshall's effort sailed over the bar.

It was one-way traffic for the Foxes, and it should have been 2-0 before the break when Joe Murphy spilled a high ball in a dangerous position, but Ben Marshall again was unable to hit the target.

Paul Konchesky was next to capitalise on some shaky defending after a mix-up between two Coventry players allowed the former Liverpool full-back to have a clean run on goal, but he was unable to find an unmarked David Nugent inside the penalty area as another chance went begging.

Leicester continued to dominate the first-half, but were unable to find that all-important second goal before the break – and it was Coventry who came out stronger in the second period, threatening the home side with a succession of corners, although never really bringing any real pressure or shots on target.

The Foxes eventually did find double their lead fifteen minutes into the second-half when Richie Wellens and David Nugent linked up beautifully on the right side, before Nugent threaded a perfect pass across goal and into the path of Jermaine Beckford, who coolly slotted the ball past Joe Murphy.

It was a well-worked goal that demonstrated Leicester's ability to play free-flowing football, and diminished any threat of a comeback by Coventry – who have picked up just three points away from the Ricoh Arena this campaign.

Neil Danns was close to making it 3-0 after further fantastic build-up play in midfield allowed the former Crystal Palace man to get a shot off, but his low drive trickled just wide of the post.

Coventry were handed a lifeline with just under twenty minutes remaining when Wes Morgan was adjudged to have unfairly challenged Alex Nimely in the penalty area – but the visitors were unable to pull a goal back as Kasper Schmeichel did well to save Sammy Clingan's spot kick.

The game did end on a sour note for the Foxes when Paul Konchesky was shown a straight red card for a dangerous foul on Alex Nimely, reducing the hosts to ten men with just over eight minutes remaining.

But Leicester held on for a crucial three points and back-to-back league wins at just the right time in the season, pushing Nigel Pearson's men up to eleventh in the Championship and keeping their play-off hopes very much alive.

Man of the Match – Wes Morgan

Leicester City 2 Middlesborough 2 - 1st February 2012

Beckford's fine display rescues point for Foxes

Jermaine Beckford has scored six goals in Leicester's last three home matches

Jermaine Beckford's late goal rescued a point for Leicester City in a fiery encounter with Middlesbrough at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes took an early lead through David Nugent's header, but Middlesbrough drew level ten minutes later when Scott McDonald converted from a Seb Hines corner.

Tom McMahon's second-half free-kick looked to have secured all three points for the visitors, but Jermaine Beckford pounced onto a loose ball before coolly slotting home an equaliser with four minutes remaining.

Beckford turned in a stellar display for Leicester City, maintaining his excellent form from the FA Cup and silencing any critics since his big money move from Everton last year.

The hosts took the lead after just seven minutes when Richie Wellens picked out an unmarked David Nugent inside the six yard box with an audacious chip across goal, leaving the England international with the simplest of headers.

It was Nugent's tenth goal of the campaign and exactly what Nigel Pearson will have wanted from his side following three consecutive wins in all competitions.

But Tony Mowbray's men had other ideas and came close to equalising when Marvin Emnes' volley flew wide of the near post after Matt Mills' sliced clearance had conceded a corner kick.

Emnes then forced a fine save from Kasper Schmeichel with a fierce strike from twenty yards, before Middlesbrough drew level through Scott McDonald's close range finish after Leicester failed to deal with Seb Hines' corner kick.

It was a poor goal for the Foxes to concede but showed typical determination of a Tony Mowbray side refusing to lie down.

Paul Gallagher struck over before the half-hour mark after a mazy run from David Nugent, while Tom McMahon fired just wide at the other end of the pitch.

Nugent again fired wide of goal, and, despite appearing to be fouled after the ball had been played, received a caution for pleading his case with the referee.

Paul Gallagher was then brought down on the edge of the box under another late challenge by the Boro' defence, but the subsequent free-kick failed to test Luke Steele.

On the stroke of half-time, Neil Danns played a sublime ball over the top to Jermaine Beckford, but his volley flew just over the bar after a fantastic first touch.

Beckford had another chance to restore Leicester's lead in first-half stoppage time, but his dangerous strike was tipped over the bar by Luke Steele.

The second half continued where the first had left off, with strong challenges flying in with very few cautions from referee Gavin Ward.

Chances were few and far between for both sides, before Nigel Pearson then offered home debuts to new signing Danny Drinkwater and Aston Villa loanee Nathan Delfouneso, who sparked life into the game as Leicester went in search of a winner.

Jermaine Beckford then rattled the crossbar with a thunderous volley from a tight angle with Luke Steele completely beaten, before Sean St. Ledger conceded a free-kick on the edge of the Leicester penalty area after Danny Drinkwater had lost possession in a dangerous position.

Tom McMahon stepped up to curl an excellent strike past the helpless Kasper Schmeichel from twenty yards, giving the visiting side an unlikely advantage with ten minutes remaining.

Steve Howard entered the fray with seven minutes remaining as Nigel Pearson went in search of an equaliser with four strikers on the pitch, and the manager was rewarded for his bravery when Jermaine Beckford pounced on a loose ball back to Luke Steele, rounded the keeper and slotted home with precision.

It was Beckford's sixth goal in four games, capping off a scintillating performance from the former Everton and Leeds striker, and a deserved equaliser for the Foxes.

Leicester went in search of a winner when Steve Howard laid the ball off to Neil Danns on the edge of the area, but his shot was just off target.

Jermaine Beckford could have won it for the home side at the death when he broke the offside trap and latched onto Neil Danns' long ball, but his volley was off-balance and fell harmlessly wide of the goal.

The final whistle meant that Leicester have still failed to win back-to-back games in the Championship this season, although Nigel Pearson will have been pleased with his side's character to rescue a deserved point.

Man of the Match – Jermaine Beckford

Leicester City 1 Portsmouth 1 - December 31st 2011

Foxes frustrated following New Year's Eve stalemate

Leicester City promotion hopes were dealt another blow this afternoon as they were held to a draw by Portsmouth at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester City have taken nine points from eight games following Nigel Pearson's return to the club

Marko Futacs put the visitors ahead with a fierce volley following some lackadaisical Leicester defending, but former Pompey striker David Nugent equalised for the Foxes four minutes later with an excellent header.

Both sides had chances to win as Greg Halford hit the Leicester woodwork while Yuki Abe had a powerful strike well-saved by Pompey goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.

Leicester have now been held to three consecutive home draws, and are without a win in five games.

The Foxes looked positive in the early stages of the match when youngster Jeff Schlupp rode a heavy challenge before firing just wide from 25 yards.

But the game soon settled down before Lee Peltier's hanging cross into the Portsmouth box almost picked out Paul Gallagher at the far post.

Chances were few and far between in the first quarter of the match, but it was Portsmouth who took the lead on twenty minutes after Leicester's defence failed to clear a David Norris cross, and the ball eventually fell to Marko Futacs who made no mistake from close range, blasting past the helpless Kasper Schmeichel.

It was a soft goal to concede, and one former centre-back Nigel Pearson will not have enjoyed watching.

Portsmouth's early lead sparked Leicester into life as Lee Peltier delivered another scintillating ball across the face of the goal just moments later.

The Foxes were soon level through David Nugent who was on hand to head Paul Gallagher's free kick past Stephen Henderson.

It was Nugent's eighth league goal of the campaign, and his second consecutive goal against his former club.

The visitors should have restored their advantage when Schmeichel lost Joel Ward's high ball in a dangerous position, but Greg Halford's header struck the woodwork.

Schlupp nodded on another Paul Gallagher free-kick with ten minutes remaining in the half, but Sol Bamba could not find the finishing touch at the back post.

On the stroke of half-time, Yuki Abe's fierce strike from 20 yards was excellently saved by Henderson, and the Portsmouth shot stopper did well to thwart Schlupp's follow-up attempts.

After the break, Liam Lawrence forced Kasper Schmeichel into a near-post save before Andy King's volley did little to test Stephen Henderson.

Marko Futacs fired high and wide inside the Leicester penalty area moments later before Paul Konchesky came close for the hosts at the other end.

Portsmouth looked the more likely side to go on to win the match, but the introduction of Jermaine Beckford with twenty minutes remaining injected life into the home side, as the former Leeds and Everton striker had his angled strike parried by Henderson.

Beckford then had a penalty shout waved away by referee Colin Webster despite seeming to have been upended by Joe Mattock's clumsy challenge.

Lloyd Dyer hit the side netting in stoppage time but the final whistle meant that the points were shared as Leicester City were held at home once again.

Man of the Match - Yuki Abe

New-look Leicester impressing at the right time

Leicester City's 4-0 victory over local rivals Derby County yesterday evening could hardly have come at a better time - just before the international break, and in front of a massive Sky television audience.

© Isriya Paireepairit - Flickr

The win was emphatic and maintained Sven-Goran Eriksson's strong record in East Midlands derby matches. But more importantly, it highlighted that this Leicester side is starting to gel.

It is no big secret that the Leicester, recently referred to as the 'Manchester City of the Championship' on Sky Sports, have invested in big-name players this summer. The likes of Paul Konchesky, David Nugent and John Pantsil all have extensive Premier League experience, while Matt Mills and Jermaine Beckford came with heavy price tags. After a sluggish start with some below-par results (and performances), the victory over Derby emphasised the overall quality Leicester City possess.

However, such a victory has been on the cards for some time. On the back of a seven-game unbeaten run and four consecutive clean sheets (including two excellent draws at Cardiff and Middlesborough) it seemed only a matter of time before things would start to click. Matt Mills has been outstanding in his last few outings for the Foxes, while centre-back partner Sol Bamba has excelled all season. As a result, Leicester have conceded just nine goals in 10 league matches, the second fewest in the Championship. The entire back line are playing with confidence; both in themselves and with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel - and vice versa.

The midfield has suffered injuries - Richie Wellens and Michael Johnson being the latest. But each player raised their game yesterday, which will add a competitive element to the selection process. Andy King and Gelson Fernandes are both playmakers who can change the nature of a match, while Yuki Abe and Neil Danns have been solid when called upon.

Credit must also be paid to the forwards. Darius Vassell has been a revelation this season. The former England international is enjoying his finest form for the Foxes, looking more of a threat playing as an out-and-out striker rather than as a winger. The return of David Nugent yesterday was a huge boost to the side, and youngster Jeffrey Schlupp proved he can cause real problems for defenders with his unique combination of size and pace. When Jermaine Beckford returns from injury, Sven-Goran Eriksson will be spoilt for choice, and also given somewhat of a selection headache - but an enjoyable one.

That takes us to the manager. Sven-Goran Eriksson has done a tremendous job of remaining patient with his players confident in the knowledge that it was only a matter of time before things started to click. He will know that he is under pressure to deliver this season. Yesterday's game against Derby marked his anniversary with Leicester - a year in charge for the Swede. During that time, Leicester have taken 75 points from 46 games - more often than not, a total good enough for the play-offs. And now that he has had the summer to tailor-make a squad, this side is constantly improving.

Expectation is still high, but the hard work is paying off. Teams don't instantly click overnight; it does take time. Leicester enter the international break in eighth place, just one point outside the playoffs. But Sven's men are slowly and surely making things happen, and, after a slow start, they're doing it under the radar.

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