Sport

Leicester bask in unlikely glory

Amidst the chorus of boos that rang out on the final whistle, it was just about possible to hear the away supporters basking …

By DOMINIC FIFIELD
Mon Oct 02 2000 - 01:00

Amidst the chorus of boos that rang out on the final whistle, it was just about possible to hear the away supporters basking in unlikely glory. As perverse as it seemed after this dire goalless draw, this was a Premiership contest and Leicester's players will spend the next fortnight as the best team in the league.

"I am surprised but delighted," said the City manager Peter Taylor, who only arrived at Filbert Street in June. "As a new manager you pray for a good start, particularly when you follow someone like Martin O'Neill. I cannot thank the players enough, but they deserve it."

City's rearguard were robust, relentless and fearsome in the tackle; their midfield snapped at opponents' heels with boundless energy, justifying a defensive record of two concessions in eight league matches this season.

Admittedly, Sunderland lacked the imagination to prise open their visitors. Surrounded by the twin peaks of Gerry Taggart and Matthew Elliott, Niall Quinn was cut off from his usual supply line. With no service forthcoming, the home side simply bounced off the defensive blockade leaving the England striker Kevin Phillips so withdrawn from the action as to be near anonymous.

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"They defended terrifically well," conceded the Sunderland manager Peter Reid.

While Leicester's defensive record is that of championship challengers, their own lack of attacking invention will surely drag them down to mid-table before too long. After Ade Akinbiyi had missed an early chance bursting on to a poor Kevin Kilbane backpass before shooting wide, they had to wait until Richard Cresswell's diving header on the hour to trouble Thomas Sorensen.

SUNDERLAND: Sorensen, Makin, Gray, Thome, Craddock, Hutchison, Williams, Kilbane, Arca (Oster 71), Phillips, Quinn. Subs Not Used: Macho, Thirlwell, Reddy, Rae. Booked: Quinn, Gray, Thome.

LEICESTER CITY: Flowers, Rowett, Elliott, Taggart, Impey, Davidson, R. Savage, Lennon, Eadie (Guppy 90), Akinbiyi (Benjamin 75), Cresswell (Oakes 79). Subs Not Used: Royce, Gilchrist. Booked: Taggart.

Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley).