A goal in each half was enough to send Leicester into the FA Cup fourth round
- but they were made to fight for it by Bristol City.
The result flattered the Foxes as Second Division City turned in a fine
performance and deserved far more from the game.
They dominated for long periods but could not take advantage of their chances
as Lee Peacock and Scott Murray failed to cash in.
But a goal from Matt Elliott in first-half stoppage time and a second-half
strike by Paul Dickov was enough to earn the Foxes victory.
Leicester boss Micky Adams was forced to make changes to his starting line-up
due to injury and suspension.
Midfielder Muzzy Izzet started a two-game suspension after picking up 10
yellow cards this season and his place went to Junior Lewis. James Scowcroft
failed to shake off a stomach injury so was replaced by Nicky Summerbee.
Robins boss Danny Wilson welcomed Joe Burnell back in midfield after a calf
problem but Matt Hill and Christian Roberts shook off leg injuries to take their
place in the team.
The promotion-chasing Second Division side had the first real chance of the
game after 12 minutes when Peacock found space in the Leicester box but he could
only fire his shot straight at Ian Walker from six yards.
Dickov then got free of the City defence but dragged his shot wide from the
edge of the box.
Peacock was causing problems for Leicester and he was handed another
opportunity on 20 minutes but drilled his shot over the crossbar.
Murray came close to giving the visitors a deserved lead but his left-footed
effort from the edge of the area was turned away superbly by Walker.
Dickov found space on the edge of the box but saw his right-footed shot come
back off the post.
Then, in stoppage time, Leicester took the lead. Nicky Summerbee swung over a
free-kick from the left and Dickov pulled the ball back across the face off the
goal where Elliott slammed home his second in two games.
City continued to have the better of the game after the break and Adams made a
double substitution sending on Matthew Jones and Trevor Benjamin in an attempt
to inject some new life into his side.
The Robins had the majority of the possession but struggled to cut through
Leicester like they did in the opening stages as the Foxes defended with more
discipline to protect their lead.
The first real effort on goal in the second half did not arrive until the 71st
minute when Foxes substitute Benjamin curled his effort from the edge of the box
wide of Phillips' left post.
Four minutes later Leicester doubled their advantage to effectively kill off
the game.
Summerbee crossed from the right and Dickov arrived in the box to coolly slot
past Phillips from six yards out.
However, the Robins did not give up and Tommy Doherty almost hit a late
consolation but Walker tipped his 84th-minute effort around the post.