Town fell to their second defeat of the season losing 2-1 at Filbert Street. The Blues never really got going and fell two goals behind after second half strikes from Ade Akinbiyi and Matt Elliott. Jim Magilton scored the Town goal with a late penalty.

Town lined as in their previous game, but with John Scales replacing Mark Venus. Early on Town had a good opportunity when Marcus Stewart was put through down the left. Leicester’s Elliott headed the ball of the line and for a corner.

The first half was scrappy and Town’s passing game never flowed. Passes went astray and few opportunities were created. Richard Wright made a couple of good saves, one from an Elliot header and one from an Akinbiyi shot.

Titus Bramble picked up his first booking of the season as Gerry Taggart seemed to take a blatant swandive.

Half-time came and the game was anyone’s. However, Leicester swung the balance their way when Darren Eadie, by now playing in midfield after sub Collymore had come on, ran at the Town defence and went unchallenged. The former Norwich man hit a cross-shot which Ade Akinbiyi bundled home.

Town tried to come back but they couldn’t get into their stride. James Scowcroft came on and replaced Jermaine Wright. Quickly he got on the end of a cross from the left but couldn’t direct the ball home.

Leicester went two goals ahead when Matt Elliott flicked a corner on. The ball looped into the air and hung there for what seemed like ages. Sadly for Town fans it looped over Richard Wright and into the net.

Thereafter Town played their best football of the evening. Hermann Hreidarsson made some probing runs down the left, but the crosses, whether from Hreidarsson, Clapham or whoever else were always too long. As against Sunderland players took too long when shots.

Finally Town did score a goal through a Magilton penalty. Johnson was put through on goal and Elliott hawled him down. The ref had no hesitation, although why a red card wasn’t shown only the ref knows.

Town continued to press but it was far from their night. Saturday and Aston Villa will demand a much better performance from the Blues.

Photo: Action Images

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