Cardiff defender Darren Purse's own goal eased the pressure on Ian Holloway as Leicester claimed a rare Championship away victory.

The Bluebirds defender had a moment to forget in the 27th minute at Ninian Park when he mishit a backpass beyond goalkeeper Peter Enckelman from 20 yards, but the home side could have no complaints with the result.

The visitors dominated for long spells and both DJ Campbell and Steve Howard had chances to extend the advantage even further as the Foxes claimed only their third away win of the campaign.

Holloway, whose position has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, gave a debut to loan signing Lee Hendrie as he rang the changes, while opposite number Dave Jones had long-term absentee Riccardo Scimeca among his substitutes.

It may have been 10 games since Leicester last won away from home but it was they who made the brighter start and Campbell forced an early save from Enckelman.

The Finnish goalkeeper was again called into action soon after to deny Howard from 25 yards and the former Derby striker could count himself unfortunate in the ninth minute when his near-post header was superbly saved.

It took the home side 15 minutes to trouble Paul Henderson, Paul Parry rising to meet Peter Whittingham's free-kick. However, the Leicester goalkeeper was equal to it.

Hendrie, who joined on loan from Sheffield United this week, came close to a debut goal with an 18-yard drive before Howard headed wide from close range.

Cardiff, whose play-off push had stalled with just one point from the last 12 going into the game, offered little in the way of attacking threat and it took a superb clearance from Roger Johnson to prevent Campbell giving the visitors the lead.

The goal soon arrived, however, courtesy of Purse's costly gaffe.

Leicester looked the more likely side to add to their lead before half-time, with Tony Capaldi twice coming to Cardiff's rescue with clearances.

The home side improved after the break and highly-rated youngster Aaron Ramsey went close with a 20-yard drive.

Jones went for broke as he brought on a third striker, Steven Thompson, for midfielder Stephen McPhail and it took a brave block from Patrick Kisnorbo to deny Gavin Rae.

The Foxes continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack and Howard again missed an opportunity to double the advantage, firing straight at Enckelman from 20 yards.

A further chance was spurned in the 69th minute when Johnson could only divert Richard Stearman's left-footed effort into the path of Stephen Clemence, but the former Birmingham midfielder skewed his volley wide of the right post.

Stearman came to the rescue down the other end when he cut out a dangerous cross from Kevin McNaughton, while Scimeca came on for his first appearance of the season with 10 minutes remaining.

There was to be no fairytale return, however, as the visitors hung on for a precious three points to ease their relegation worries.