Watford come from behind to beat Leicester City

10:02pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Watford FC - Match Reports By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

Battling Hornets claim Foxes win Battling Hornets claim Foxes win

Watford’s resolve and character overcame a searching examination from big-spending Leicester City - with a late contribution from the officials - as Sean Dyche’s men claimed a notable 3-2 victory at Vicarage Road to continue their push towards mid-table.

The Hornets had been under a period of significant pressure in the second half when replacement Craig Forsyth fired home what turned out to be a fine winner from the edge of the penalty area with ten minutes remaining.

There had already been plenty of drama following a four-goal first half and several other good chances but there was to be one last twist as referee David Webb, on the advice of his assistant, inexplicably sent off Lloyd Doyley in injury time.

Earlier, Adrian Mariappa had headed the hosts into a fifth-lead before David Nugent turned the game on its head with two long-range efforts in quick succession – the second a particularly fine goal – but Sean Murray ensured Watford went into the break with parity restored by netting his first senior goal courtesy of a deflected free-kick.

Dyche was forced to make his first change to the starting line-up for four matches as a hamstring problem ruled out Troy Deeney. That meant Chris Iwelumo came in for his first start since the 2-1 win at Ipswich Town on December 3, with Forsyth taking his place on the bench.

The Hornets sought to make the early running against a Foxes side unchanged following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cardiff City – and it took them until just the fifth minute to make the breakthrough.

Joe Garner, who made the initial inroads with a deft flick that briefly put him clear, was rewarded for his perseverance when he was fouled to the left side of the penalty area. Murray, not for the first time in his brief first-team career, showed his ability at set pieces and clipped the ball into the near post where Mariappa flicked a fine header inside Kasper Schmeichel’s near post to make it 1-0.

The Hornets then won two corners in immediate succession, the second of which saw Garner mis-hit a right-footed half-volley on the turn through to Schmeichel, but in the 11th minute – and somewhat out of the blue – the visitors were level.

There didn’t seem to be too much danger when Nugent picked up the ball on the left side of the penalty area but he was allowed to come inside and strike a right-footed shot that Scott Loach, who was possibly unsighted, was unable to get across to.

There were more defensive alarm bells ringing for the hosts in the 16th minute when Leicester were awarded a free-kick near the edge of the area but dead-ball specialist Paul Gallagher was only able to hit the wall.

But the rollercoaster start to the game almost took another twist, this time in Watford’s favour a minute later.

Iwelumo, who had made an encouraging start to the game, won another flick on from Lloyd Doyley’s long throw from the left and the ball was half-cleared to Jonathan Hogg, whose shot from the edge of the area broke for Alex Kacaniklic in the six-yard box. But with Schmeichel bearing down on him, the Fulham loanee went for power, rather than placement, and put the ball narrowly over.

Instead of being 2-1 in front, the Hornets found themselves 2-1 behind moments later to what was admittedly a superb strike.

Schmeichel struck a precision clearance up to the right side of the penalty area where Jermaine Beckford was able to knock the ball inside to Nugent, who, without breaking stride, let the ball bounce up before hitting an excellent effort with the outside of his right foot that gave Loach no chance as it flew past him.

The match then went through its first relatively quiet spell, only to burst back into life again in the 33rd minute with a moment that one young man will not forget in a hurry.

Watford were awarded a free-kick at least 25 yards out and after the defender who committed the offence, Matt Mills, had been booked for complaining too vociferously, Murray struck a low set piece that was deflected past the helpless Schmeichel to make it 2-2 and give the teenager his first senior goal.

After former Watford loanee Danny Drinkwater had fired over from outside the box, Murray chanced his arm again, initially shaping to look for an option on the right side of the area before checking back onto his left foot and curling an effort wide of the far post.

Nigel Pearson had been preparing to bring on Neil Danns as the first half came to a close and he duly entered the fray as a replacement for Drinkwater after the restart. Lee Peltier also made way for Wes Morgan but Dyche also made a change, presumably due to injury, with Forsyth coming on for Murray.

After a scrappy start to the second period, Watford almost took the lead in the 53rd minute when Forsyth broke down the left before clipping the ball back inside where Morgan tried to head clear. Garner though, had intelligently dropped back into space on the edge of the area and after chesting the ball down, he struck a right-footed half-volley narrowly wide of Schmeichel’s right-hand post.

If the Hornets could have scored a third with that opportunity, the Foxes should have netted a third soon after when Sean St Ledger was able to cross from the byline and the unmarked Beckford looked certain to hit the target, only to send a diving header badly wide of the near post.

The Leicester striker had another effort in the 58th minute, prodding a right-footed shot goalwards that Loach was able to parry back out and Nyron Nosworthy cleared, before Paul Konchesky picked up the game’s second yellow card for a foul from behind on Kacaniklic.

The hosts were nearly punished in the 70th minute when Lee Hodson wanted too much time to clear his lines from inside his own area and was dispossessed by Gallagher, who turned inside before striking an angled drive that Loach had to push around his near post. From the resultant corner though, Morgan was somehow allowed to bend down amid numerous legs and get in a low header that drifted narrowly wide.

Leicester’s tails were up at this point, with the Hornets boxed into their half for a fairly prolonged period as they struggled to retain possession for any length of time. However, they almost gained a thrilling respite to the pressure in the 78th minute when Kacaniklic broke forward before laying the ball inside to John Eustace, who weighed up his options before striking a lovely chip that Schmeichel had to push over his own bar.

The son of one of the all-time goalkeeping greats was not to be so fortunate next time though.

Eustace was again involved in the 80th minute, this time keeping possession and laying the ball off to his left where Forsyth advanced with a couple of touches before striking a fine left-footed finish past Schmeichel from the edge of the area to once again put the Hornets back in front.

Garner then made way for Prince Buaben before former Luton Town man Steve Howard arrived to the predictable chorus of boos when he came on for Lloyd Dyer.

It looked like the Hornets were safe as the game entered injury time but it had been that type of night where it shouldn’t have been a surprise there was to be one last dramatic twist – but what happened had to be seen to be believed.

The incident arose from a route one ball into the penalty area that led to Beckford stumbling over in the box. Much to most observer’s surprise though, the linesman beaneth the Rous Stand was flagging for a free-kick.

If that was baffling enough, the subsequent decision to send off Doyley bordered on the inexplicable. One can only assume the left-back was red carded for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity – although if anyone committed a foul the suggestion was it was Mariappa – but the controversy didn’t end there.

Dyche decided to take off Kacaniklic but before replacement Carl Dickinson had been allowed to take up his position, Gallagher struck the free-kick into the wall and Danns fired the rebound over.

The Watford boss was fuming but those emotions were soon replaced by a clenched first as he celebrated arguably his side’s best win of the campaign to date.

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Nosworthy, Mariappa, Doyley; Murray (Forsyth 46), Hogg, Eustace, Kacaniklic (Dickinson 90); Garner (Buaben 83), Iwelumo. Not used: Yeates and Gilmartin.

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Peltier (Morgan 46), Mills, St Ledger, Konchesky; Gallagher, Wellens, Drinkwater (Danns 46), Dyer (Howard 85); Nugent, Beckford. Not used: Marshall and Logan.

Bookings: Mills for dissent (32); Konchesky for a foul on Kacaniklic (62); Doyley for a foul on Beckford – sent off (90).

Attendance: 11,800.

Referee: David Webb.

Comments(57)

stevemag says...
10:17pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Magnificent brave defending, great finishing from Forsyth......

Shame Murray went off, I assume he was injured.

Terrible , terrible referee. They seem to get worse every week.

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Hornets number 12 fan says...
10:26pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Only one comment so far where the moaners?

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Steve, Abbots Langley says...
10:27pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Rubbish ref. Chris rubbish as usual.

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strummerjoe says...
10:31pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Definitely the worst ref we've had (including Atwell). But what a great win! We are safe now, let's start looking up.

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abbotshornet says...
10:32pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Fancy playing on Valentines day so I missed it! COYH

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There was only one Scully says...
10:32pm Tue 14 Feb 12

What a night and a great team performance. Another master stroke from SD to play big Chris after Toy boy was announced to be not match fit. My only gripe is that something has to be done about these officials that are gracing our game. Once again we had another bunch of shockers who should be reprimanded for their blatant big error, sending of LD. Its about time there was adjudicators watching and making some sort of judgement on their performance. Its all very well having new techno on goal mouth decisions but this could be avoided if we had proper officials who have a bit of inside knowledge of football. Send em back to basics!

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Hornet Cornet says...
10:36pm Tue 14 Feb 12

I hope we appeal against LD's sending off. The referee's a ....

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dolly33 says...
10:37pm Tue 14 Feb 12

A brave perfomance at last .
Lets keep it rolling lads.

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Johnny Ryden says...
10:40pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Why is it always the lino (sorry, assistant) on the Rous side who makes a gaff - and it always seems to be against us?

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stevyweavy says...
10:50pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Not pretty but could be a defining moment in our season. And dit playing against 13 men as well!

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hollywood101 says...
10:52pm Tue 14 Feb 12

I'm tempted to start looking UP the table now....

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Stoney77 says...
10:53pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Guys Guys Guys, forget about the flamin officials shall we celebrate the fact that we are now 15 points off relegation? GET IN THERE!! Leicester are a ridiculously strong champ side on paper and have been on a great run. Furthermore, we are finding goals from Midfield and this is good news. Fair play to Forsyth: 3 goals in his last 2 appearances. Well done Sean Murray for your landmark goal and well done to SD, another 3 points and verging on the top half if we get a couple of decent results in the next two games. COYH.... EEEEE IIIIII EEEEEE IIIII EEEEEEE III OOOOOOH, UP THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE WE GO :o)

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jimbuctu says...
11:00pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Absolutely superb result! Well done all the lads. Had no chance of going tonight given first valentines since I got married but checked in when I could and was overjoyed at the final score!

Murray assist and goal - Was he as good as it sounds?

Forsyth goal too. He's had his doubters but he seems to have an eye for goal of late, how was his all round play?

Got to say I really didn't think we'd get anything tonight.

Personally, I say we save every penny for some summer signings and consolidate now. Forget the loan market. Blood some youth and stabilise the finances until next season then see if we can kick on.

Sean Dyche, his staff and the whole squad deserve a real pat on the back. I'm stunned we're sitting fairly comfortably in a season I thought would go to the wire with the squad we have.

EXCELLENT!

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Michael Sills says...
11:02pm Tue 14 Feb 12

So the stats show we didn't have as many chances as Leicester but we put 3 of them in the net at the end of the day thats all that matters.
Another poor decision from the officials but as previous people have said we can look up the table and keep pushing on, a play off place would be fantastic.

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Frankie Frazer says...
11:02pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Thought it was a battling performance that could have gone either way, pleased to see us hang onto a lead and not lose after being under the cosh for much of the second half!
Thought Mariappa & Eustace stood out with Nos & Hogg being not far behind, it just shows how important the spine of the team is. Thought Garner had some nice touches and should be left in for 4 or 5 games as I think the match sharpness will come with games .
Iwelumu looks well of the pace and loach does not install any confidence in me at the moment at all !
Dyche doing well under the circumstances but need a couple of loan signings which may give us the push to go up the league rather then the other way. For me the ideal players would be Tommy Smith & Paul Robbinson both on loan, would give the whole place a buzz and maybe just maybe the play offs would be an outside shout with those 2 coming in (we can all dream can't we!).

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derry pigweed says...
11:11pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Brilliant AVE IT............!

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hemelhorn87 says...
11:19pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Brilliant result, have to credit both loach and iwelumo who consistently get abused and although werent the best players on the pitch probably had their best game in a while, especially the latter. Credit to all players and SD on the win of the campaign!

Roll on palace. COYH!

Great finish from brucie aswell!

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Hornet1970 says...
11:20pm Tue 14 Feb 12

superb win.....what a biased set of officals....shameles
s.

Big chris was great and forsyths strike immense...

Leicester a oine dimension route one outfit

You horns!!!!!

well done SD and the team

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cliff46 says...
11:26pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Great result tonight.
Mustn't get too carried away though because we have some really difficult games coming up.

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llloydwithathirdl says...
11:26pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Against all the odds it's looking like we are staying up - well done Sean and the lads.

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HornetHog says...
11:26pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Brilliant Brilliant result, WELL DONE LADS !

Great performances from ;Mariappa, Eustace, Murray, Hogg, Forsythe, Nosworthy,

Iwelumo PANTS as usual- Loach still looks dodgy, referee was totally shocking- why do we always get the rubbish decisions?

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KeithMercer says...
11:31pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Great battling result ! well done dychey and the boys .
Referee and lino complete joke !
Great goal Forsyth, where did that come from ?
Go above Palace on saturday !

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SimonW, Godalming says...
11:32pm Tue 14 Feb 12

that was one of the hardest fought wins you will ever see, after going 2-1 down it looked like Leicester woud cruise to victory.
However the defence & midfield were brilliant, Eustace in particular had an outstanding game & was man of the match by a mile, if only we had the forwards to back up the rest of the team, Garner works hard but never looks like scoring & "Big Chris" is not worth commenting on, also Forsyth gets load of stick but that was a great finish!

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D.unstable says...
11:33pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Firstly that ref was a disgrace, having sent off a player putting us down to 10 he then allows us to make a substitution and then before the replacement player has a chance to barely get o the pitch he blows for Leicester to take a free kick on the edge of the area leaving us with only 9 men to defend it, what a to55er. This sort of decision should be investigated by the FA and be punished by relegating him down a league or two or a ban until he learns the rules.

Having got the rant out of the way, congrats to Dychey and the boys, a deserved result and one having first seen the team sheet thought was not likely. Not sure if any single player stood out for me though tonight but a good team performance, good quality goals from both sides and we did what we had too.

Although I do feel for Doyley as it certainly didn't look worthy of a red card and he was not the last man. Don't even recall him ever being sent off before, think he has taken this one for the team. At least we do have adequate cover at LB (and to be honest would be my first choice LB) in Dicko, whereas at first I thought it was Mapps who would be a much greater loss to the team for 2 or 3 games.

So yes life is feeling good tonight and we are getting closer to that 50 point mark and do not think that relagation is at all likely. Do think it is a little too early to start thinking we can make play offs as some have suggested. But 10 points from the last possible 12 is promotion form. Another 3 of 4 wins on the bounce and I will start believing.

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Keith Eddy says...
11:38pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Great win for the boys. It was a real battle in the 2nd half with everyone putting their shift in.

Sean Murray impressed again and you can see how important he has already become when we didn't have him for the 2nd half.

I was a little surprised we didn't bring Buaben on earlier but this Leicester side is full of quality so not sure that would have stopped their constant theat.

To me if you take West Ham, Birmingham, Cardiff & Leicester out of this league the rest are at or near the same level. So no reason we shouldn't aim to finish in the top ten.

Com on U 'Orns

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WFC4ever says...
11:55pm Tue 14 Feb 12

Excellent win and performance in a sense as we actually outplayed the Foxes for 45 minutes then defended very well scoring on the counter which did surprise me a bit...not that I am complaining!

Solid performances from the usual suspects and Doyley was hard done by to be sent off.

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rookerylad says...
12:22am Wed 15 Feb 12

Appauling attendance, embarrassing.
Great game though!

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lockerbiehornet says...
12:22am Wed 15 Feb 12

MARVIN Who??????????

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downunderorn says...
5:16am Wed 15 Feb 12

Having listened to messrs Hill & Pearson and their inane post match comments I cannot believe their total disrespect for Watford FC. Both those managers will be too late to catch the train!! Go U ORNS,cannot wait for the highlights

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COGGDAVE1 says...
6:19am Wed 15 Feb 12

Just read Pearsons comments on LCFC Web site, apparently all our goals were 'poor' .. but his sides goal were ...and I quote .. 'Super' ... what a jerk

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LE PARK says...
7:29am Wed 15 Feb 12

Great result well done sean and all the lads.Great strike from forsyth and pleased for young murray.Onwards and upwards now

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bigthunder says...
8:26am Wed 15 Feb 12

well done to the team and sean dyche superb battling performance

Just think what we could do if the board of Directors at WFC i.e
Timperley, Fransen our owner Bassini and non executive chairman Graham taylor stopped selling our goalscorers from under neath the manager

Does Sean Dyche not deserve some support , we went into that game without a goalscorer in the squad, so magnificent we managed to score 3 goals

anything you would like to say Mr Taylor you are very quiet on anything watford but have plenty to say about Wolves and the undermining of there manager maybe have a look closer to home ?

once again well done dychie magnificent result and to the fans that were there well done best atmosphere for a home game in a long while just a shame so many were not there you missed a very good evening !

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female hornet says...
8:48am Wed 15 Feb 12

The officals seem to be always conned by players who just fall down and put their hamnds up for free kicks. Could not believe some of the decisions, yet our boys battled on. If we can continue like this it will be wonderful. I disagree over Chris, I think he is a waste of time, yes he did a couple of good things but he has no legs and even though he is tall the defender was still getting higher than him. Bring back Troy asap.

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Casterbridge says...
8:51am Wed 15 Feb 12

Cracking game against the best side I have seen at the Vic this season! Shame it wasn't on TV.

Watford are safe! With Portsmouth likely to go into administration, that leaves 3 teams who will struggle to get to the 40 point mark, However, I think the play-offs are out of reach. We shall probably need 78, and that's another 38 out of a possible 42.

Top ten, though when were relegation favorites at the start of the season is a magnificent achievement. Well done SD and the whole team. See you at the Palace on Saturday (that's Crystal, not Buckingham!) COYH!

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luther blissett says...
9:00am Wed 15 Feb 12

We won't need 78 to get in the play offs. It is normally 70-75 needed, although I agree that is a step too far for this season.

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WFTTWTFR says...
9:07am Wed 15 Feb 12

Great win, showed a lot of resilience to weather Leicester's storm in both halves and get the defence back in shape. Contrary to some posters, I thought Iwelumo and Garner had good games and caused significant problems to Leicester.

Also contrary to some, I actually think that attendances are holding up pretty well given the realities of the economy, our catchment, etc. Shame on those who didn't come because of Valentine's day, though - get your priorities straight!

Been said already, but the officials were beyond hope. The lino seemed more interested in refereeing himself and missed blatant off sides, there was a stupid moment with a Leicester throw on where their players totally ignored the whistle, and God knows what was happening at the end. Sunday league jokes, but it doesn't matter in the end because we're pushing for the play-offs! COYH!

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
9:13am Wed 15 Feb 12

Great battling performance and an excellent 3 points. The referee second half was an absolute joke. I would say one thing though, all the fans shouting for offside at Schmichaels goal kicks, you CANNOT be offside from a goal kick. Boy that lad can hit a dead ball!

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Casterbridge says...
9:31am Wed 15 Feb 12

luther blissett wrote:
We won't need 78 to get in the play offs. It is normally 70-75 needed, although I agree that is a step too far for this season.
Reading on 51/30 = 76.5/45 + 1.5 = 78. This is not a normal season at either end.

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Wimbledonhorn says...
9:32am Wed 15 Feb 12

Credit where credit is due. I am eating humble pie after stating SD was not up to the job earlier in the season. Well done to SD and the boys. Excellent results since we sold Marvin. We really have developed a 'street fighters' mentality given all the departures and upheaval over the past few years. WFC gets knocked down but soon gets up again. Keep believing.

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tonupchris says...
9:36am Wed 15 Feb 12

That has to be the most pleaseing result of the season. For all the money Leicester have spent and the players they have bought I thought they were quite poor. Yes, they had a lot of the ball but didn't creat a great deal and resorted to the keeper lumping it as far as he could (which was a heck of a long way) up to the front 2. The ref was the worst I've seen in a long time. I would have to see the challenge at the end by Doyley (or possibly Mariappa) again to see if it was a foul or if he was the last man but to not let Dicko get more than 10 yards on to the pitch before allowing them to take the free kick was unbelievable. He gave us very little all night and seemed to be swung by Leicesters former premier league players who spent most of the game moaning at him especially Gallagher. For us it was just a great team performance. Great to see Mariappa get a goal. Hogg and Eustace superb as normal. Murray, why he hasn't played earlier in the season is anybodys guess. Presume he was injured but he has played a lot recently. The Fulham lad looked to be getting some confidence and especially second half started running at players on the break. Hodson I thought played well apart from one moment they nearly scored from. Mariappa and Nosworthy excellent. Doyley although probably harshly sent off is not a left back. He is out of position a lot. if you look at Forest's chances Saturday that Gunter missed they were all where he should have been. We have a decent left back, Dicko, not great (Robbo available for loan at the moment) but should definitley be playing in my view. Loach. Had a good second half. Nugents first he maybe should have got to but I was right behind it and it did go through a lot of players and we didn't close him down quickly enough so the blame should be shared. The second is just one of those goals you just have to applaud. The forwards. I have some time for Garner and glad he's getting a bit of a run in the side. He needs to go the gym a bit more often as does get knocked off the ball to easily but just have a feeling there might be goals in him. Big Chris (or the tree as the bloke behind me calls him for his lack of movement) was simply awful. Yes he won the odd flick on but so he should at 6ft 3 but there is no direction to where he heads it. For a big guy he never holds the thing up and on the odd occasion he does his passing is abysmal and again has not one attempt on goal. No where near good enough. A forward on loan is a must or at the very least one of the younger players. We can't survive with three forwards none of which are exactly prolific and with one now injured this a problem. All in all though we are basically safe and if we finish higher than last year that would a fine achievement. Play offs is probably too bigger ask but with the current squad with one or two additions (not to many this time) next season we might be in with a shout. Congratulations to SD and the squad as although this year has been difficult and sometimes not that great to watch to be where we are with a third of the season to go is an admiral achievement. Let's keep it going and you never know!!
COYGB

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Alex Hillcroft says...
10:35am Wed 15 Feb 12

Casterbridge wrote:
luther blissett wrote:
We won't need 78 to get in the play offs. It is normally 70-75 needed, although I agree that is a step too far for this season.
Reading on 51/30 = 76.5/45 + 1.5 = 78. This is not a normal season at either end.
A good point well made

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allgood says...
10:47am Wed 15 Feb 12

We are not good enough to reach the play offs but we are moving in the right direction. A large part of the second half last night was like the old days when we were a lower division team hanging on against a top flight team getting the result in the end. Mid table safety beckons the target now must be to better Malkys finishing place last season and possibly an away win at Cardiff as a bonus.

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After the Goldrush says...
10:54am Wed 15 Feb 12

COGGDAVE1 wrote:
Just read Pearsons comments on LCFC Web site, apparently all our goals were 'poor' .. but his sides goal were ...and I quote .. 'Super' ... what a jerk
If the Watford goals were "poor" then his defence must be.................

Fill in your own word.

I don't agree with the playoffs being out of reach. This is a tight division where everyone will drop points.
(except Watford)

Blind Faith

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No Wheels says...
10:55am Wed 15 Feb 12

I just listened to Pearson on the BBC and wondered if I was at a different game. He – and the partisan interviewer – both referred to our 'physical', direct style. Sorry, I don't see it. We invariably seem to be the much less dirty and less physical side and last night Leicester were at least as direct if not more so than we were. We didn't show much class purists' football, granted, we were hanging on for deal life. But I don't see the physical thing...

As for this being an odd season, have you noticed how there is less 'bunching up' this year? What I mean is, the table is strung out quite evenly top to bottom and you don't seem to have that thing where loads of clubs are more or less equal and a single win will take you up five places. You have to take 7 points from three games (or preferably 10 from four) to make a dent in the table...

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
11:09am Wed 15 Feb 12

No Wheels wrote:
I just listened to Pearson on the BBC and wondered if I was at a different game. He – and the partisan interviewer – both referred to our 'physical', direct style. Sorry, I don't see it. We invariably seem to be the much less dirty and less physical side and last night Leicester were at least as direct if not more so than we were. We didn't show much class purists' football, granted, we were hanging on for deal life. But I don't see the physical thing... As for this being an odd season, have you noticed how there is less 'bunching up' this year? What I mean is, the table is strung out quite evenly top to bottom and you don't seem to have that thing where loads of clubs are more or less equal and a single win will take you up five places. You have to take 7 points from three games (or preferably 10 from four) to make a dent in the table...
Agreed no wheels, we were direct but so were they. He's being a hypocrite, they were putting Nugent and Beckford between loach and our back four on their goal kicks, knowing Schmichael could send his rockets straight to them for a run in on goal. If that isn't direct I don't know what is!!!!!

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mickallen57 says...
12:40pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Great game had it all end to end play plenty of goal mouth action and the foxes fans taunting us that we were one up and f***ed it up. How we enjoyed repeating the chant at the end .One moan Big Chris possibly the tallest man on the pitch,yet constantly out jumped and when he did make contact he passed it straight to the opposition.I guess he had it once where it has gone too God only knows. He is poor very poor and we need him to get his mojo back. COYH a great effort all round (except you know who)
keep it up and maybe we could end up in the top six.(tongue firmly in cheek.

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Napalm Pudding says...
1:17pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Superb effort all round. I'm relishing the work-rate and the team spirit of this side it's paying off and we're hopefully set up for a good run in. SD needs to be congratulated on how they're playing- it's high tempo and always looking for the break. Hogg is the find of the season, he's like Scott Parker always looking to seek and destroy with impeccable timing and his reading of the play. It's released Eustace to a more forward role and all of a sudden he's a goalscorer and a playmaker. Only issue is up front- a proper striker would have turned some fo the draws into wins but who cares, it's been a revelation.

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D.unstable says...
3:21pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Not enough negativity on here, what's going on.....

Big screen not working, Bassini out!!!!

LMAOF

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buckler says...
4:01pm Wed 15 Feb 12

That's Entertainment! That's Entertainment !

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akureyri-geitungur says...
4:28pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Relegation, is not over until the sheep is 5ha99ed and the farmer is loosening his belt.

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corbindallas says...
4:40pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Fantastic result and one I honestly wasn't expecting with the Foxes team they have, so makes it all the more better, well done SD and the boys! Some big questions now, does the manager get in some loan signings as he said he was doing or does he give the youngsters more of a run now we are safe in the table now? If he does bring in loans then it surely is only for one reason to try and get in to the playoff places otherwise is it worth it, both in money and also in experience to our own players! I hate being a defeatest but really don't think this is our season for playoff chance, survival was the goal before the season started so would not bother with loans and allow some of the youngsters a chance to make their case for a first team base, Garner, Forsyth, Murray and get the loans back from Wycombe and Brentford. Also I have said it before and it is even more important now Big Chris needs to have a mutal termination as I really can't see what he is still in the squad for and to serve another season on his current contract, sorry Chris it just hasn't worked out with us.

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corbindallas says...
4:53pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Another really important point I missed from my previous about bringing in more loaness is the impact it will make on the current team moral, it seems the current lads are really gelling and watching them communicate and celebrate shows that the team are really close nit at the moment, something that is really carrying us forward at the moment and against better teams to, 10 points out of last 12 is really showing it and loanees could damage that!

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ORBY says...
5:22pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Great result last night, well done to SD and the lads. At the beginning of the season we would have lost this one, but we are making ourselves difficult to beat and I am sure clubs will not like coming here. Pearsons comments were just sour grapes and motivated to gee his players up. I don't care if every goal we score is a deflection, how many times as this happened to us? As far as the officials are concerned it's something we have to live with. We are not well thought of in the overall scheme of things and therefore we will get these decisions. I believe an assessor is in attendance at all games and gives his verdict on the performance of the officials, plus the club also has an input, but the fact is once a decision has been made it's too late to do anything about.

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Eastsussexhornet says...
5:32pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Well, it seems that I am on my own on this one! How we won last night I am not sure. Leicester were quicker, sharper and tougher than us from start to finish. It was though a very resilient and dogged performance by us. Perhaps it was the difference in culture that stifled Leicester. Still, I suppose it's 3 points so who cares....there are always one or two games a season that teams win when they're not on top form. One thing that baffles me though - why oh why does Iwelemo get a place? What is his puspose? What can he do? He can't run. (He actually runs faster backwards than forwards!) He can't win in the air. He NEVER runs into space. All he TRIES to do is flick on, and he can't even do that most of the time. He is a Conference player, nothing more.

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DAVE THE HORNET says...
5:39pm Wed 15 Feb 12

Big Chris looks like a cartoon character when he runs; he sort of gallops but you know he's never going to get there; he does make me laugh though!

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Eastsussexhornet says...
5:54pm Wed 15 Feb 12

DAVE THE HORNET wrote:
Big Chris looks like a cartoon character when he runs; he sort of gallops but you know he's never going to get there; he does make me laugh though!
Yes, well described! It looks like a great deal of effort for not a lot. When he runs backwards, I would be so tempted to stick my ankle out and see what happens!

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cyril_fence says...
6:04pm Thu 16 Feb 12

COGGDAVE1 wrote:
Just read Pearsons comments on LCFC Web site, apparently all our goals were 'poor' .. but his sides goal were ...and I quote .. 'Super' ... what a jerk
Then may i humbly suggest that Leicester's next big money purchase is a rule book because three 'poor' goals will always beat two 'super' ones.

And two 'super' shots from outside the area imply that they are hardly the Barcelona of the league they think they ought to be who can outplay and outpass supposedly 'inferior' opposition such as Watford.

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