Panayiot - who?

Academy product Harry Panayiotou scored a goal in the 3rd minute of injury time to snatch victory for Leicester at Elland Road this afternoon. Martyn Waghorn gave City the lead in the 39th minute with a cool finish from the edge of the box. It looked as though Leeds had rescued a point when Webber bundled the ball home 8 minutes from time. However, Panayiotou's deflection from Marshall's shot gave Leicester victory and secured a 9th place finish, 10 points adrift of a play-off place. Admittedly it was a meaningless fixture, but the names of the two goal scorers will please the manager. Waghorn has spent much of the season injured and Panayiotou has regularly impressed in the under-18s. Their presence in the team may be a positive sign for next season.

Those who call for wholesale changes are wide of the mark. Leicester are only 3 or 4 players away from making a challenge for the play-offs next term and Pearson has proved that he is capable of making good signings, particularly with the recent arrival of Marshall. Leicester's away form has been a major problem along with their inability to beat the teams below them in the table on a consistent basis. Leicester have averaged a respectable 1.38 points per game against the 8 teams above them this season. Against the teams below them, they have managed a less than satisfactory 1.47 points per game. City finished 10 points adrift of the play-offs yet, over the course of the season, dropped 12 points against the teams who finished in the bottom 4 places in the table. For many fans, that statistic sums up the season. Find a ruthless streak next season and anything is possible!

Collison Delivers Hammer Blow

Jack Collison scored a fabulous goal in the 58th minute to condemn Leicester City to defeat at the King Power Stadium this evening. The result, irrelevant to Leicester's fortunes this season, keeps West Ham's hopes of automatic promotion alive until the final day of the season. Leicester took the lead in the 34th minute after good work from Marshall down the right hand side. He chipped a beautiful cross to the far post and Beckford headed home for his 9th league goal of the season. Reid equalised for the visitors in the 39th minute to leave it 1-1 at the break. Collison's second-half thunderbolt was worthy of winning any football match and in truth, Schmeichel did well to get a hand on it.

Worryingly, both King and Wellens limped off during the match, the latter appearing on the bench with crutches during the second half. As a result, Bamba was forced into a central midfield role, exposing a staggering lack of depth in such an expensively assembled squad. In contrast, West Ham were excellent. They retained the ball well, passed it accurately and created a whole host of chances. They fully deserved the victory and secured what every Leicester City fan has dreamed of over recent weeks - something to play for on the final day of the season. All eyes will be on the games involving West Ham and Southampton next weekend, not many will pay too much attention to Leeds v Leicester.

Howe do you explain this one Nigel?

Nigel Pearson suggested in his post match interview that Eddie Howe's Burnley didn't come to the King Power Stadium in search of victory on Tuesday night. He stated, "I felt we were the team that tried to win the game." This seemed an odd assertion given that Burnley were going for a club record-equalling 11th away league victory of the season. The match statistics don't tally with Pearson's view either, as Burnley managed 5 attempts on target to Leicester's 4, including one unlucky effort which bounced off both posts. Pearson also admitted that Burnley were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the first half. The manager's body language was strange during the match too. He looked resigned and withdrawn with arms folded and he issued very few instructions to his team. In terms of tactics, there was no real plan B either. He changed personnel in a couple of like for like swaps in the second half and swapped the wingers over at half-time. However, there was no change of formation in an effort to win the game.

I was pleased when Pearson got the job and I still want him to be given the whole of next season to see what he can achieve. Morgan and Drinkwater look like decent signings and Marshall appears to be a steal at £1million. However, if the next two games follow the same pattern as last night's listless and lethargic effort, the Thai owners may well decide that enough is enough. I hope not. Pearson will already know the names of 2 or 3 players that he wishes to sign in the summer and that should be enough to give fresh impetus to the squad and see them in the play-off picture next season. All of this of course is based on the belief that the Thais have the desire to remain in charge and are still happy to put their hands in their pockets to sign more players. This should not be taken for granted. It may not be interesting on the pitch during the next two games but off the pitch it will be a different story!

Foxes Flop in the Lion's Den

Leicester went down 2-1 at Millwall this afternoon in a match that has ended any realistic chance of getting into the play-offs. Leicester will now have to win all 3 of their remaining fixtures and hope that all 3 of the teams above them lose at least two of their remaining three games. Even in this scenario, City would be relying on goal difference. This is simply not going to happen and Pearson can now start to plan for next season. It is a disappointing end to the season after two great wins over the Easter weekend had put Leicester right back in the hunt. The disappointing away form, as well as the poor form against struggling teams, has cost City on far too many occasions this season.

Leicester started the game brightly and it looked as though their attacking options would prove too much for Millwall to handle. However, a Harry Kane goal in the 23rd minute, from a dubious free kick, gave the home team the lead. After this, Leicester struggled to make much of an impact and created very few opportunities in the second half. An Andrew Keogh penalty, after a foul by Konchesky on Kane, doubled Millwall's lead 10 minutes into the second half and the game was won. A late Drinkwater strike offered the visitors hope of a late rally but the equaliser never materialised. In truth, a draw would have been of no consequence. Sadly, it's season over.

Leicester Egg-static after Easter Resurrection!

As one jubilant City fan said on BBC Radio Leicester after today's game, "If Jesus can come back from the dead at Easter, then so can Leicester City." With 6 points from two games over the Easter weekend, Leicester are right back in the hunt for the play-offs. The teams above them did City a favour yet again with Cardiff and Blackpool only managing draws, and Middlesborough losing their game. Brighton, the other rival for 6th place, face a tough game with Reading tomorrow. The gap is down to a tantalising 3 points with 4 games remaining. Interestingly, Leicester have the best goal difference of all the teams fighting for 6th place and this could yet be a factor in the final analysis. The fixtures may be important too. After a tough game at Millwall this Saturday, Leicester's final 3 games are against teams who may have little left to play for this season. Leeds and Burnley face mid-table obscurity and West Ham look likely to finish 3rd and may have switched their focus to a play-off semi final by the time they face City. This could all play into Leicester's hands for whom 3 wins out of 4 could still be enough. 


Leicester didn't play particularly well this afternoon but results are all that matter at this stage of the season. City went 1-0 down to a Jason Scotland goal in the 43 minute and looked destined to go into the break a goal behind. However, Ben Marshall scored his 4th goal from over 30 yards out in less than a month, thumping a free kick along the floor and into the net. It was the final action of the first half and it gave Leicester the impetus to go on and win the game in the second half. Pearson made two changes at the break, with Gallagher and King both entering the fray. Both made a significant contribution in the second half and could prove to be vital assets in the final four games after their successful returns from injury. The crucial winner came just before the hour mark, when Gallagher's perfect cross found Nugent, who headed home from 6 yards. Leiceter clung on for the win, their first league victory on the road since February. A win in the Lion's Den on Saturday and even the most pessimistic City fan will have to start dreaming of the play-offs.

Four Star Foxes Fight On!

It may surprise Leicester fans to know that City are 4th in the form guide over the last ten league games played. You wouldn't know it listening to the 'fans' calling for the manager's head on the phone-ins. Leicester's home form is outstanding and Ben Marshall, a recent signing of Pearson's, gets better and better with every game. He scored his third brilliant goal in as many weeks this afternoon and Leicester will do well to hold on to him next season if they are still in the Championship. City would need to win 4 of the last 5 games to have any chance of making the play-offs, a highly unlikely target given the way this season has panned out. However, the signs do look promising for next term and Leicester are only 3-4 players away from making a serious challenge next term. Judging by the £1 million Marshall, the Thais can be confident that Pearson would spend their money wisely.

Leicester swept Doncaster aside with 3 second half goals this afternoon. In truth, the first half was poor and Leicester gifted bottom of the table Doncaster several chances to score. Shortly after the half hour, Nugent headed down for Drinkwater to hit a left footed shot into the net. Early in the second half, Doncaster keeper Ikeme allowed a tame Peltier shot to squirm through his legs, gifting City a second goal. After that, City were comfortable. In the last 15 minutes, Gallagher and Marshall scored fabulous goals to give the Foxes a flattering 4-0 scoreline. Wellens, King and Gallagher all returned from injury with the latter two playing for the final half hour. With another game on Monday, this is a timely boost and may give Leicester the impetus to win at Ipswich in less than 48 hours time. Leicester are 5 points adrift with 5 to play and they certainly haven't given up fighting yet...

Beckford's Backlash May See Him Banished

Leicester lost 1-0 at Peterborough this afternoon in a match that will be remembered by City fans for one incident. In the second minute of injury time, Jermaine Beckford chased back to his own goal line in an attempt to win back the ball. He remonstrated with his defenders, clearly frustrated by the situation in the match. Moments later, Richie Wellens won a free kick on the edge of Peterborough's box. It was the final chance for the Foxes to salvage a point from the match. Beckford stood in the centre circle, apparently refusing to go forward for the free kick. It was a move that infuriated the manager as well as the thousands of fans who travelled to Peterborough, and spend their hard earned cash contributing towards the player's wages.

Many will feel that Beckford's actions were unforgiveable and that he should never be allowed to wear the shirt again. Given Pearson's record in dealing with St. Ledger and Mills this season, it would not be a surprise to see Beckford omitted from the squad for the match against Doncaster on Easter Saturday. For the record, Paul Taylor scored a fabulous goal with a long distance strike on the hour mark to win the game for the home side. Leicester have secured 1 point out a possible 12 in their last 4 games on the road. Contrast that with 13 points out of a possible 15 from their last 5 home games. It is easy to see where the play-off charge has come unstuck.

Forest's Fight Frustrates Foxes

Leicester recorded only their third 0-0 league draw of the season against local rivals Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. The result leaves City 4 points away from a play-off place and, although this result seems like a missed opportunity, Leicester are edging steadily towards the top 6. With the next 5 league games against teams below City in the table, the Foxes must find a way to win 3 successive games in order to put themselves in the frame before their final two matches against West Ham and Leeds. The squad looks thin, with Bamba forced to play a central midfield role against Forest. However, King's appearance on the bench, along with Wellens expected return this weekend, provides Leicester with a much needed boost. With 8 games already completed in March and a trip to Peterborough on Saturday, the more options Pearson has at his disposal, the better.

The manager was upbeat and confident in his post-match interview, discussing the 6 point gap to 4th place and pointing to a fixture list which sees many of the top 6 playing against each other before the end of the season. Let's hope the players share his optimism and can record their first away victory for 5 weeks at Peterborough on Saturday. With 13 points from a possible 15 at home, victories on the road could yet be crucial.

Home Form Keeps Foxes in the Hunt

Leicester secured their 4th successive home league win with a 2-1 victory over Hull City at the King Power Stadium this afternoon. The result leaves City 5 points adrift of a play-off place and keeps their season alive. The teams above Leicester are doing everything they can to keep City in the hunt for 6th place. With a home game against local rivals Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night and a trip to 18th placed Peterborough a week today, Leicester now have a great opportunity to put pressure on the teams above them. If the Foxes can secure victories in their next two fixtures, their play-off charge will be well and truly back on track. At this stage of the season, it is all about a momentum and it's the perfect time to put 3 successive league victories together for the first time this term.

City conceded an early goal to old boy Matt Fryatt, who ran on to a perfectly weighted through ball and clipped a shot past a reticent Kasper Schmeichal. Two superb goals in the space of a minute turned the game on its head and credit must go to Pearson for the formation and tactics. Dyer, who put in an outstanding performance, cut in from the right to fire the equaliser into the bottom corner. Moments later, Ben Marshall smashed a 25-yard shot into the net. Marhsall was brilliant throughout, playing just behind Beckford, but with the freedom to roam. Nugent played wide left and supported Beckford at every opportunity. The fluidity of Leicester's attacking play caused problems for the meanest defence in the league throughout the afternoon. Danns was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle 12 minutes into the second half but Hull rarely threatened Leicester's goal and City were good value for the victory.

No Defence For Recent Away Run

Tonight's 3-3 draw at Blackpool epitomised Leicester City's performances on the road over the last two months. City have conceded 19 goals in 8 away games since the start of February, with 14 coming in the last 4 games. This will be hard to accept for a manager who was known as a no-nonsense centre half and who built a very solid defensive unit during his last spell in charge of the Foxes. The manager has been scathing in his criticism of the defence in recent weeks and has shuffled the pack regularly. As yet, he has been unable to find a successful formula. If Pearson is still in charge over the summer, defenders will certainly be top of the shopping list.

The most frustrating aspect is that, going forward, Leicester look like an excellent side. Beckford now has 14 goals this season and is starting to fulfill his potential, forging a great partnership with Nugent. Marshall is an exciting prospect - a wonder goal at Chelsea on Sunday and a fabulous cross with his first touch tonight, which lead to Beckford's second goal. Danns looks dynamic in the centre of midfield and Drinkwater's performances so far are promising. The nucleus of a good team is emerging and Pearson will get it right. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater, by starting all over again with new management and a new squad, would be an unmitigated disaster.