Leicester boss Nigel Pearson saluted his side after they moved up to second - level on points with leaders Newcastle - in the Coca-Cola Championship, with a 2-1 win at in-form QPR on Friday night.

Matty Fryatt was the Foxes hero with a goal in each half to end his six-game drought.

"You get spells like that. But other people have chipped in, and we have been getting results," said Pearson.

"I'm sure Matty will be delighted to get two goals, but the bigger picture is about results. I thought it was a thoroughly professional performance.

"We are where we are on merit - although we won't be by Saturday evening. We can be satisfied with how the season has gone so far - and we are only a third of the way through.

"I can see how Rangers have put together a run of good results, so it's a good win for us."

Fryatt was beaming after his two-goal display, and said: "You get those runs, but to come here and get three points is a great performance from the team. Maybe my goals were overdue."

Adel Taarabt had fired Rangers ahead just after the half-hour.

But for once, the free-scoring hosts could not add to their tally - and Fryatt's two goals, the winner courtesy of a howler from home goalkeeper Radek Cerny, secured City's third straight win.

Rangers had put four past Preston, Reading and Derby in each of their last four matches but failed to fire in attack - while watching England boss Fabio Capello would have winced at some at the defending.

"Leicester didn't have to work hard for both goals, although the lad took them very well," said boss Jim Magilton.

"We were second-best all over the field and got our just rewards."

Fryatt's first goal came when he nipped in behind static Rangers central-defensive duo Kaspars Gorkss and Damion Stewart.

But worse was to follow in the second half when Cerny attempted a short clearance but sliced the ball straight at Fryatt, who charged forward and swept it back past the Czech.

Magilton was quick to back his goalkeeper, though, and said: "He's been great for us, and we are not going to hang him out to dry for that. He's a top-class player."

Rangers almost snatched a point at the death, but Chris Weale bravely saved at the feet of Wayne Routledge - and Akos Buzsaky blasted over.

Magilton added: "As much as we didn't get carried away by our recent fine form, I'm not going to go over the top about one loss."