Nugent is the cunning Fox

Monday, 20/02/2012

Premier League

No Premier League games played this weekend

Championship

by Daniel Tyler

FA CUP: DAVID NUGENT, Leicester City

Leicester received a much welcome break from their inconsistent league campaign as they travelled to Premier League Norwich City for the FA Cup fifth round - and the Foxes turned the football ladder on its head as they came away 2-1 winners.

David Nugent grabbed the winner, calmly slotting past Jed Steer after some good link up play with strike partner Jermaine Beckford.

The former England international has been a bright spark in a disappointing season for the foxes to date, having notched 13 goals since his summer move from Portsmouth.

CHAMPIONSHIP: Gareth McCleary Nottingham Forest

Despite having a torrid season to date, Forest were dealt a lucky hand this week after Portsmouth were docked ten points for entering administration a move which means the Reds only sit outside the relegation places on goal difference.

Many fans would hope last weekend could see them strike it lucky twice in a week as they took on fellow strugglers Coventry City in a relegation crunch clash.

And striking it lucky twice is just what they did as Steve Cotterill’s men recorded a 2-0 victory.

Gareth McCleary proved the difference as he opened the scoring in a game heading for a stalemate.

The striker showed real inspiration with a solo run and shot which squeezed inside the near post.

It was only the 24-year-old's eighth goal in more than 100 appearances but it could prove vital as the three point’s moves the City Ground outfit out of the drop zone for the first time since November.

Leagues 1 & 2

LEAGUE ONE

DEAN MORGAN, Chesterfield

Struggling Chesterfield looked to have their work cut out as they hosted promotion-chasing Sheffield Wednesday.

However the game didn't replicate the two sides' positions as The Spireites edged to a 1-0 victory.

Striker Dean Morgan grabbed the only goal of the game, converting a penalty 12 minutes from time.

The 28-year-old showed great composure to dent the Owls' promotion hopes and improve his sides chances of remaining in League One.

John Sheridan’s side are still four points adrift of safety but are hitting form at the right time having only lost one of their previous six league games.

LEAGUE TWO

KYEL REID, Bradford City

How times have changed for Bradford City.

Twelve years ago they were fighting against the country’s elite with a two-year stint in the Premier League.

But now in their fifth season in League Two their Football League status is under real threat.

The last thing the Bantams needed was a trip to the country’s in-form team, Torquay United.

But once again football showed how funny a game it is, as Phil Parkinson’s side battled from a goal down to secure a precious 2-1 win.

Their man of the moment was Kyel Reid. The former Charlton man put in a terrific winger’s performance, crossing for Craig Fagan to equalise before smashing home the winner.

The West Ham academy graduate is a real talent and if Parkinson can get the best out of him for the rest of the season Valley Parade will definitely be a Football League ground again come August.

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