Leicester no fools in Championship fight

LONDON: Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson says he will not be fooled into thinking their takeover at the top of the Championship means they are in for an easy ride all the way back to the Premier League.

Cardiff were knocked off the top of the Championship on Saturday thanks to a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest that allowed Leicester to grab the top spot on goal difference with a 1-1 draw at Birmingham.

“I am no fool,” said Pearson, who is recovering from a replacement knee operation.

“To maintain this position we will have to work exceptionally well. In this division it is very tough. I talk about performances which have to be right.

“It was another fine team performance, but what pleasesmemost is the unity within the team and squad, and it is there for everyone to see.”

Denmark striker Peter Lovenk rands put Birmingham ahead at St Andrews in first-half injury time. However, Ben Marshall put a deserved Leicester equaliser past junior England goalkeeper Jack Butland in the 86th minute.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay said the Bluebirds needed to work on their defensive sharpness if they are to profit from tomorrow’s visit by midtable Watford.

There was no way back after Forest went 3-0 up within 47 minutes, despite the hosts finishing the match with 10 men.

“You can’t concede the kind of goals we did and expect to win games,” Mackay said.

“We couldn’t do much about Andy Reid’s free-kick but the other two goals were basically defensive errors and something we have to look at.

“Butwehave another gameagainst Watford on Tuesday night so it’s a chance to get at it right away.”