A first-half strike from Nolberto Solano was enough to earn Newcastle all three points in their Premiership clash at home to struggling Leicester. The Magpies dominated for long periods but they failed to kill off the game as Foxes keeper Ian Walker and his defence proved dogged in front of the Leicester goal, denying Newcastle several excellent opportunities to extend their advantage.
Although they deserved their win, Newcastle were made to fight all the way for their three points but were helped by the fact that Leicester's own attacking moments were few and far between. Frenchman Laurent Robert and Craig Bellamy threatened to run Peter Taylor's side ragged, but Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer allowed three good chances to go begging after seeing his side denied an early penalty.
Newcastle were determined to erase the painful memory of their thrashing to West Ham at the weekend and although they never seemed to reach the dizzy heights that they are capable of, they were in complete control before the break. Referee David Pugh denied the Magpies a penalty when Robert appeared to be caught by Muzzy Izzet with just Walker to beat.
The breakthrough finally arrived 12 minutes before the break when Matt Elliott slipped as Bellamy ran on to Shearer's flick and squared for Solano to fire home. The visitors rallied late in the half, but Shay Given pounced twice to keep James Scowcroft at bay when Leicester threatened to score.
After the re-start, Newcastle continued to dominate with Robert in particular impressing as he set up Shearer and Bellamy only to see their efforts denied through some bad luck and good defending. As the game wore on without another Newcastle goal, Leicester's spirits rose at the same rate as the anxiety of the home supporters. However, the game was to produce no further goals much to Newcastle's relief although Leicester will feel somewhat disappointed not to have salvaged at least a point from this encounter.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
