At last a home victory which was achieved with a brand of attacking football reminiscent of last season. Commitment and belief were abundant, something that has been missing most of this season.

Chances were made and plenty were missed but the fact is City scored three good goals and outplayed Leicester for most of the game.

O'Brien and Wetherall were outstanding in defence, limiting Heskey to long-range shots and never giving Cottee a chance.

But the man-of-the-match was Robbie Blake. His touch was exquisite and he scored a brilliant goal. Perhaps he was trying to impress Kevin Keegan. Whatever it was let it continue.

The first goal was a stunner, Blake collecting the ball from Saunders' flick and then holding off the challenge of Elliot before drilling the ball into the net. Even the sun broke through and you knew it was going to be City's day.

Having said that, the lead didn't last long and Leicester equalised when City's inability to play the ball resulted in Walsh making a fine save from a Lennon thunderbolt before Impey crashed the rebound into the net.

But to City's credit they didn't fold. City's second just before half-time came after Saunders played the ball out to Halle on the right and from his excellent cross Mills guided his header into the net.

The second half continued exactly as the first with City making all the running. Flowers made two first class saves from Saunders before Blake turned Impey inside out and crossed for Redfearn to poke home City's third. This brought about Leicester's best spell of the match.

It's to be hoped City play the same type of game the rest of the season. They look capable of giving most teams a run for their money.

Chris Finan

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