Frustrated Foxes held by drab Derby

On a typically grey autumn afternoon in the East Midlands, Leicester City could not find a way past a defensive Derby County lineup. Injuries had taken their toll on Nigel Clough’s side who had no fit strikers to accompany lone forward Rob Hulse. Instead, they packed the midfield and successfully sought to contain the home side with former Fox Robbie Savage the chief combatant. City were fairly comfortable in possession, particularly in the first half. Andy King put in a sterling performance and Richie Wellens probed willingly from the centre of the park, but striker Matty Fryatt wasted the best opportunity before the break when he chested down a high through ball and fired straight at Derby keeper Stephen Bywater.

Lloyd Dyer’s mazy second half run nearly ended in a goal but he could only drag his shot into the side netting at the near post. At the other end, Kris Commons raced away down the right before clipping the top of the bar with home keeper Chris Weale beaten. Steve Howard, also playing against his former employers, wasted three good chances as City toiled against a solid Derby rearguard, expertly marshalled by Dean Leacock and Shaun Barker. It was Derby who could have snatched an undeserved late win with two chances, firstly through Commons who pounced on a horrible Jack Hobbs error but delayed his shot when clean through, allowing Hobbs to atone. From the ensuing scramble, the visitors won a free kick from which Savage was wasteful. City next play on Tuesday at home to Crystal Palace, with three points now even more crucial to maintain their unbeaten momentum.