Leicester City: 2, Watford: 0

ALMOST 300 Watford fans were locked out of the Walkers stadium at Leicester and were unable to see the match on Saturday, August 10. City had advertised the fact that tickets were available on the day, but, it transpired, they had sold these to Leicester fans.

Despite the intervention of Watford chief executive Tim Shaw, no space was found for the disappointed supporters who were left with no other alternative but to head back down the motorway as the second half commenced.

By then Watford were heading for defeat at the hands of one of the promotion favourites. The Hornets had demonstrated a watertight defence in the first half, but this fell apart after the break.

Izzet was allowed to waltz past poor challenges from Nielsen and Robinson before picking out Deane with a perfect cross to leave the striker with a formality header.

City struck again eight minutes later when Scowcroft slid the ball through for Deane to beat Chamberlain.

Watford seldom troubled Walker in the city goal. Chamberlain however was extremely busy and the 38-year-old pulled off several fine saves to deny the home side who could have won by a greater margin.

Watford, in the first half, gave a good account of themselves. They never looked in real danger although, it must be said, they never really threatened either. The defence looked sound until they gave away the first goal and then lost their discipline.

Tommy Smith had two good opportunities to produce shots, but failed to attempt them on either occasion.

Manager Ray Lewington was disappointed with the second half display, but felt there were some plusses in the performance, not least Marcus Gayle's efforts as a central defender.

In the end Watford fell away badly, but there are not many teams who are going to win at the City stadium this season if Saturday's performance was anything to go by.

Watford's new signing Neal Ardley came on in the second half. Lewington pointed out he had not played a pre-season match and was short of full fitness.

Teams

Leicester City:

Walker; Sinclair, Elliott, Tagget, Rogers;

Summerbee, Marshall, Izzet, Scowcroft;

Dickov, Deane.

Substitutes: McKinlay for Elliott after 19 minutes, Stewart for Dickov after 71 minutes, Benjamin for Deane after 77 minutes.

Watford:

Chamberlain; Cox, Dyche, Gayle;

Doyley, Hyde, Nielsen, Hand, Robinson; Smith, Foley.

Substitues: Ardley for Doyley after 66 minutes, McNamee for Hand after 68 minutes, Norville for Foley after 82 minutes; Glass and Lee not used.

Attendance: 31, 022

August 10, 2002 20:00