Leicester City 1 Manchester City 1: A vote of confidence in Kevin Keegan had a positive effect as Manchester City ended a sequence of 15 games without a win last night when two late goals secured them a home FA Cup fourth-round tie with Spurs.

The game looked to be heading for extra time after Les Ferdinand, who was signed by Keegan when he was manager of Newcastle, cancelled Antoine Sibierski's first-half goal, with a deflected free-kick.

But with the teams preparing for another 30 minutes, Nicolas Anelka, who had proved a constant threat, earned his side a place in the next round.

The Foxes wasted little time in testing Kevin Ellegaard, or they would have done had not Paul Dickov spoiled a neat approach by Marcus Bent and blocked his team-mate's shot.

That double act comprised two thirds of a front three that was completed by Ferdinand as Micky Adams opted for an unfamiliar 4-3-3 line-up.

Ferdinand was soon on hand in his own area to head away a free-kick, however, and as his team's defence had been hit by the loss of Steve Howey in the warm-up, the help was much appreciated. The defender was replaced by Matt Heath, who has spent much of the season on loan at Rochdale, and with John Curtis and Frank Sinclair playing their first games after injury, it was almost possible to hear the creak of ring-rusty limbs.

Joey Barton unlocked the defence with a back-heeled pass that opened up the space for Trevor Sinclair to head down the right before crossing to the far post, where the unmarked Sibierski dived to head past Ian Walker. The goalkeeper should have been beaten twice more in the next two minutes, too, as the visitors threatened.

Anelka used his pace to create a chance for Jon Macken but his partner overran the ball. Then Walker spared his side further embarrassment by winning a tackle with Anelka outside his area. The Foxes were offered a glimmer of hope as Ellegaard displayed his vulnerability by dropping the ball when challenged by Ferdinand, only for Callum Davidson to send the loose ball over the crossbar.

But at the other end Anelka and Macken continued to torment the defence and only a superb save from Walker that resulted in a corner denied the Frenchman a deserved goal.

Leicester's subdued first-half display was reminiscent of the timidity they showed against Chelsea on Sunday. That had prompted some plain speaking from Adams during the interval and, judging from the way his charges set about the second period, the manager had been equally forthright. And the hosts should have scored on the hour when Heath, set up by Dickov's deft cross from the right, headed the ball straight at Ellegaard.

Ferdinand, however, made amends for that profligacy, albeit with the aid of Barton's backside, but Anelka, and Macken, in injury time, secured the win for Keegan.

Guardian Service

LEICESTER CITY: Walker; Curtis, Sinclair, Heath, Davidson, Scowcroft, McKinlay, Stewart, Dickov, Bent, Ferdinand (Elliott 83). Subs Not Used: Coyne, Hignett, Gillespie, Brooker. Booked: Sinclair, Scowcroft. Goals: Ferdinand 73.

MANCHESTER CITY: Stuhr-Ellegaard; Sommeil, Distin, Dunne, Tarnat, Sinclair, Bosvelt, Barton, Sibierski, Macken, Anelka. Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Jihai, Wiekens, McManaman, Wright-Phillips. Goals: Sibierski 12, Macken 90, Anelka 90.

Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire).