Blues 1 Leicester 1

Losing three consecutive league games at home was dread-worthy when you consider we lost once at home last season, so a performance was needed from the Blues players. Quality was in fits and spurts but no-one can fault the effort. Leicester controlled most of the first half only to find themselves a goal behind at the interval. Leicester’s threat was tamed in the second period as Blues battled doggedly and came so close to a big three points.

Jack Butland was outstanding as he got in the way of everything the Foxes threw at him, including one finger tip save which he pushed over the bar. David Nugent, the ex England international looked dangerous, if only he knew the offside rule. Martyn Waghorn was guilty of blazing a close range effort over the bar, and Andy King came close. But just minutes before half time, James Hurst found Marlon King who’s pass fell to Peter Lovenkrands, he slotted past Kasper Schmeichel to put Blues one goal to the good.

The second half was a scrappy affair. Blues gave as good as they got. Nathan Redmond who was anonymous for large spells knocked an impressive pass to King who tried to play Burke in, but his cross was blocked. Read that last sentence again because it pretty much summed Blues’ afternoon up in an attacking sense, lots of endeavour, little class. But we all asked for the lads to fight for the cause and they did, and then some.

Substitute Wade Elliott was putting himself about out wide and he almost forced an error by chasing down Zak Whitbread’s clearance. Leicester’s 3,752 fans were quieter than in the first half as their chances were at a premium. Ravel Morrison was announced as the sponsors man of the match, he wasn’t bad, but Butland and Jonathan Spector were the stand-out performers for Blues.

Elliott stung the ‘keepers hands with a shot but Leicester levelled when substitute Ben Marshall saw his shot cannon off the post and roll in.

Spector was sent off for a second yellow card after a late challenge, Blues had to see the game out now. Butland proved his quality with a spectacular save from Marshall’s free-kick late on, but the points were shared. A lot better from Lee Clark’s troops who travel to Millwall on Tuesday, followed by another tough away trip to Leeds next weekend.

Blues ratings- *BUTLAND 9. Hurst 6. Davies 8. Caldwell 7. Murphy 6. Burke 6. Spector 8. Morrison 7. Redmond 6. King 6. Lovenkrands 7…SUBS USED- Elliott 6. Fahey 6. Lita 6.

Match report by Rob Wildey.