Sport

Cottee keeps dream alive

Tony Cottee's dream of a first major medal in 16 years as a professional is still alive after his goal sent Leicester into the…

Thu Feb 18 1999 - 00:00

Tony Cottee's dream of a first major medal in 16 years as a professional is still alive after his goal sent Leicester into the League Cup final last night. Martin O'Neill's side will play George Graham's Tottenham in the March 31st Wembley final.

Cottee followed up his two goals in the first leg at the Stadium of Light by scoring City's second-half equaliser after Niall Quinn had given Sunderland the lead. It took City to their second League Cup final in three years.

For the opening 45 minutes, though, Sunderland seized the initiative.

The skill in midfield of Lee Clark, the industry of Kevin Ball and the trickery and pace on the right flank of Nicky Summerbee - who gave wing-back Steve Guppy a torrid time - posed constant problems for Leicester.

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In the 34th minute, they deservedly drew level on aggregate. Fittingly it was the influential Clark and Quinn who combined to set up the goal. Clark's rightwing centre picked out Quinn, who rose above Matt Elliott to send a downward header past Keller into the corner of the net.

Leicester were restricted to occasional counter-attacks but, apart from a looping Taggart header comfortably tipped over by Sorensen, they seldom threatened in the opening 45 minutes.

However, City looked far more composed in the second half and in the 54th minute Cottee struck for the third time in the tie. Neil Lennon curled a first time cross into the box and Cottee volleyed wide of Sorensen.

Sunderland can take consolation from the fact that on the evidence of their two clashes with Leicester and the FA Cup tie with Blackburn they will have few problems surviving in the Premiership if they secure promotion.

Leicester: Keller, Ullathorne, Sinclair, Elliott, Walsh, Taggart (Savage 46), Lennon, Izzet, Guppy, Cottee, Heskey. Subs not used: Arphexad, Kaamark, Zagorakis, Marshall. Goal: Cottee 54.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Gray, Ball, Melville, Butler, Summerbee (Dichio 84), Clark, Johnston, Phillips (Bridges 55), Quinn. Subs Not Used: Smith, Williams, McCann. Booked: Makin, Butler. Goals: Quinn 34. Agg (3-2) Att: 21,231.

Referee: D Elleray (Harrow-on-the-Hill).