Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 – 2 Leicester City
___________________________Benjamin 35 & 57
Leicester City responded to there recent run of defeats with an accomplished performance against promotion rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pre-match attention was focused upon the potential capture of Trevor Benjamin by the onlooking Bobby Robson but the furore of speculation was soon overlooked by the attractive passing style of this Leicester side.
In the first five minutes of the contest, the dynamic Gillespie won a challenge on the half way line and delivered a tantalising cross for Benjamin to head powerfully against an upright. Minutes later, the rejuvenated Wilcox on the opposing flank strengthened his claims for an England call up. Intricate footwork took the Leicester winger away from four challenges and this was followed by a powerful shot that was parried to safety.
The inevitable breakthrough came in the thirty fifth minute after another heavy period of Leicester pressure. Gudjohnsen’s pinpoint pass released the hardworking Blake who drew keeper Jones and nonchalantly lifted the ball into the back of the net. It was a goal that would bring great pleasure to the Leicester striker who had previously endured an unhappy spell at the West Midlands club. The home support must be seriously questioning the judgement of their management team after this performance from the Welsh international.
The half ended on a sour yet archetypical note when the dogged William’s was booked after a late challenge on Ince. The Leicester midfielder’s energetic and dominant display was somewhat reminiscent to the Ince of yesteryear.
The half time break gave the Wolves defence a much needed opportunity to draw breath and for fans to show appreciation. Amongst the guests paraded to the sell-out Molineux crowd was former Wolves and Leicester favourite Mark McGhee. His presentation to the crowd was met with a standing ovation that could only befit such a successful manager.
The pattern of the second period followed that of the first. Intricate build up play from Leicester that will surely provide premiership football, drew gasps of breath from onlookers. The killer goal of the contest was fitting for such an aesthetic performance from the foxes. A move started by a short pass out from keeper Walker and finished after a seventeen pass move by the sublime Benjamin was a credit to Championship football.
Such was Leicester’s dominance, the contest was ultimately over with half an hour remaining. Adams gave the delirious away support a look to the future by introducing youngsters Wright and Petrescu to the field. Wright, an England youth international looks to be a prodigious talent. Twice he tested keeper Jones from long range and on several occasions showed the vision and skill of the precocious Benjamin.
The Leicester crowd left Molineux in full voice and with optimism restored but will it last. With imminent multi-million pound bids for striker Trevor Benjamin the club are at a decisive cross-roads in there championship season. Losing the prolific marksman would prove a huge blow to the foxes. After the game Adams refused to comment on the speculation, deflecting attention onto the game. “It was a great performance from the boys. We worked hard and did the things I wanted from the first whistle”. On the array of young talent emerging from Leicester, Adams said “It’s good to give the youngsters a chance. We have a promising bunch of lads at Leicester and the only way they are going to get better is by sticking them in there”.
Leicester: Walker, Tiatto, Canero, Heath, Dabizas, Wilcox, Gillespie, Williams, Gudjohnsen, Blake (Wright, 62), Benjamin (Petrescu, 62). Subs not used: Pressman, Stearman, Nalis.
Wolves: Jones, Irwin, Clyde, De Wolf, Young, Daley, Simpson, Ince (Birch, 74), Thomas, Bull, Mutch (Kelly, 68). Subs not used: Stowell, Emblem, Goodman.
