Match Report

Premier League

Leicester: Flowers, Sinclair, Taggart, Elliott, Guppy, Savage, Izzet, Lennon, Oakes (Cottee, 71), Collymore, Eadie (Marshall,
81).

Subs not used: Gilchrist, Arphexad, Impey.

Man Utd Bosnich, Neville, Irwin, Berg, Stam, Beckham, Scholes, Keane, Giggs (Butt, 85), Cole (Sheringham, 82), Yorke.

Subs not used: Van Der Gouw, Neville, Solskjaer.

Attendance: 22,170.

Referee: R Harris

Leicester (0) 0 Man Utd (1) 2 FT
                           Beckham 33
                           Yorke 83


Sleepy City still miss............... someone.

Peter Gilbert 18.3.00

I said I wouldn't mention him again but his presence was so profoundly missed this afternoon that it is very hard not to let your mind wander as a ball is played into the channels or Collymore flicks a ball on into a little space and you can just imagine him gathering speed and running at them.......then anything can happen. I honestly think if we still had him we would have won this game. But the records will show a smooth 2-0 victory, such a shame, but something we are just going to have to come to terms with.

It was a glorious day on the last weekend of the winter with a thin suggestion of Spring in the air and a clear sky to drive underneath en route to Filbert Street. It was impressive to see the Bradford City scarves fluttering plaintively but defiantly from car windows.
The pitch had been liberally treated with water and glowed emerald green underneath the sunshine and blue sky.
I bought a programme a usual from my 'lucky' programme seller; today this 'thumping' good read cost an extra 50p, it was called a special edition, in truth it just had a glossy cover and a few extra photos.

We started the game brightly kicking towards the kop end with Collymore and Eadie up front, Izzett, Lennon and Oakes in midfield, Guppy and Savage as wing backs and a back three of Sinclair, Taggert and Elliott backed up by Flowers in goal. A strong line up you would argue but it lacked something in the cut and thrust department. Collymore looked a class act throughout the game but he was never ably supported even when subs. Cottee and Marshall came on to swell the ranks up front.

In all honesty neither team ever played well although territorially Leicester dominated. Beckham was anonymous more or less until after 30 mins. a free kick was won 25 yards out. The Leicester players lined up a wall so half heartedly that 'Becks' only had to tap the ball home past a flat footed Tim Flowers, it was an awful way to concede a goal after working hard up until that point.

Savage appeared to be having a late fitness test before the game and he had his work cut out all afternoon and never really got to grips with marking fellow taffy Ryan Giggs who on 70 mins. broke away down the left to cross accurately to Yorke who despatched the ball under pressure fro Taggert just wide of Flowers' clutches for the second goal.
There were moments to cheer when Collymore ran at the reds and set colleagues up on the edge of the box but all too often they could not return the compliment.
Flowers made a good save when Irwin cut in and shot and 'Twinkle Toes Tim' entertained the crowd by dribbling past Yorke when receiving a back pass in the six yard box.
Man Utd in all honesty played within themselves and Leicester appeared to be constructing a more deliberate and methodical style of approach football which never carved out a clear cut chance throughout the 90 mins. although Stam and Berg in conjunction with Bosnich always give you reason to believe. Considering our visitors were Man Utd the whole afternoon lacked atmosphere and there was never any sense of occasion.
Man Utd didn't beat us they anaesthetised us into submission which we appeared to happily go along with.
We desperately lack a quality striker to partner Stan Collymore and we still need another 3 points from our remaining 11 games to avoid relegation. 11 games left and if we were in winning form we could surprise everyone with a top six finish. Some might say 'What's the point we've already qualified for Europe.' I would disagree 'Come on entertain us, we're paying the wages.'
The Leicester team lacked purpose and a cutting edge; Guppy particularly appears to have lost his confidence and was I mistaken but did I see him arguing with the crowd at one point. Izzett still hasn't got his match fitness back and Lennon appears less far less direct of late. Stefan Oakes had a quiet day as did Robbie Savage. Our defence was made to look wooden on occasions as clinical passes cut them wide open. I will in conclusion return to the attacking dilemma; let's not beat about the bush; let's not panic either but ..................we desperately need a quality player up front to compliment Collymore's obvious talents and who knows what he thinks of Leicester City after Heskey departed so swiftly. The dream is over for Ian Marshall, Eadie won't cut it in the premiership as a striker and Cottee is best suited for coming off the bench for the next 12 months before he takes an office job. We have parted company with Fenton and Gunnlauggsson is away 'on loan'. We do have the young Argentinean in training but he is an unknown quantity as yet. I would still rather that MON wait for THE player to come along who along with a couple more signings would go a long way to re-constructing our squad.

I must finish on a negative note in connection with one of the Man Utd subs. a certain P. Neville who spent his warm up time gesturing wildly at the Leicester fans in a most provocative manner, most uncalled for I thought and I was disappointed that our security men didn't 'chin him' (get it?)

Driving back into the sunset I was not cheered to see coach loads of scousers singing merrily on their way home.
It's a mean old world.