Leicester go down fighting

2004-05-08 18:46

Leicester - Relegated Leicester City signed off their home campaign in their miserable Premiership season by ending Portsmouth's eight-match unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory.

It was only the second win in 25 league and cup outings for the Foxes who had their fate confirmed last weekend when they drew 2-2 with Charlton.

But they were desperate on Saturday to give their long-suffering fans at the Walkers Stadium something to cheer after the team's third relegation from the Premiership.

They were gifted a goal after just six minutes when Portsmouth's Matthew Taylor scored an own goal before Scottish striker Paul Dickov added a second after 27 minutes with a sharp, left foot drive after being set up by Marcus Bent.

Portsmouth, who were promoted with Leicester last season, pulled one back in the 66th minute when Nigel Quashie finished off Aiyegbeni Yakubu's fine pass.

But Leicester, keen to avoid the igmony of finishing bottom, hit a third when James Scowcroft hit a low right-foot shot past Shaka Hislop in the Portsmouth goal.

Micky Adams' side now go to Highbury next weekend for their final match looking to spoil Arsenal's title party celebrations and will be bouyed by Saturday's win, their first in the Premiership since a 1-0 success at Birmingham on March 13.

- AFP