Gilbert the Filbert Match Report:

Leicester City 2 Liverpool 0 3.3.01.

Hot and Cold

Peter Gilbert 3.3.01

If there has been a colder occasion at Filbert Street - well I can't remember it.

If there have been moments of hotter football then someone please remind me of them.

If there have been colder shoulders or warmer greetings too then I wasn't there to feel them.

At half time Steve Walsh was brought out onto the pitch to say the goodbye's he never had the opportunity to say before. He was presented with a silver tray to commemorate his priceless contribution to Leicester City which saw them flirt with disaster but ultimately to flourish and thrive. His efforts were of Herculean proportions - he stirred our emotions for fourteen years and his voice choked up in his little speech to us leaving only the soul less with a dry eye. He was Mr Leicester City - maybe one day he will return.

Emile Heskey on the other hand was welcomed back with cold indifference and his contribution to this football match was seriously restricted by the attentions of Gerry Taggart and Matt Elliot who stuck to the task of their defensive duties as if their very live's depended on it. No matter what Liverpool threw at us this defensive duo were equal to it. In the end they threw the England forward line at us but we stood firm and unmoved by the self perpetuated hype. They were ably assisted by Rowett and Davidson and Sinclair too before he went off injured in combat.

In midfield we had the impish prescence of Muzzy Izzett who showed classy names a clean pair of heels and finally popped up in the 89th minute with a goal that sealed the victory..

Robbie savage was his usual impudent self - running and harrassing in a class of his own and still finding time to win the ball and pepper the pitch with intelligent passes that hurt the opposition.

Then there was Junior Lewis: It was interesting to note that Liverpool dominated the first 15 mins. which was approximately the time it took for Junior to settle to the task in hand. Having done so however he won the ball time and again and distributed it with great care and meticulous thought. How a player can emerge from Gillingham reserves to such heady heights with no 'apprenticeship' is quite beyond me but Leicester City are the benefactors of a player of immense value although he cost only £150,000 - surely he will emerge as the signing of the season.

Up front Akinbiyi seems to have found a partner in Sturridge and with it a new sense of belief.

Leicester first goal came from Akinbiyi via Sturridge and Lewis. It was beautiful and breathtakingly simple - a series of quick passes saw the ball placed firmly into the back of the net after Fowler carelessly lost possession.

This great victory sees us rightly restored to 4th palce although I still say our rightful place is 3rd - we'll see.