Leicester City 0, Newcastle United 0

Feb 1 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Matty Fryatt was inspired, prompting a couple of moments of crisis for United’s back four with his endless energy – but the astute Steve Harper, who turned over a close-range shot, and the solid Mike Williamson responded admirably.

Given Hughton’s innately conservative strategy away from St James’ Park, things were probably running to schedule at that point but Wellens’ red card – bitterly and incorrectly contested by the home crowd – jolted the game out of its torpor.

Surprisingly it was Leicester and Fryatt who responded most positively. The Leicester striker received the ball on the half-way line, sublimely shifting past Williamson with an exquisite turn of pace, before sweeping past a phalanx of yellow and orange shirts and into the penalty area. With a febrile Walkers Stadium sensing a breakthrough, Fryatt swung a right boot from close range, but Patrick van Aanholt came to United’s rescue with a fortunate block.

Chastened, the on-loan United left-back immediately charged up field and smacked a thunderous drive that was turned over by Leicester’s Chris Weale.

The second half brought further Leicester pressure, though. Paul Gallagher and the effervescent Fryatt both had good chances before United finally heeded the calls of their sell-out support to attack.

Substitute Nile Ranger, belatedly introduced on 63 minutes, had a goal ruled out for a clear offside and screwed a shot wide of Weale’s right hand post. This time, however, there was no silver lining applied to the clouds beginning to gather over United’s season.