Leicester City Stand Point by David Bevan: Heroic display restores lost pride

This was exactly what Leicester City needed.

Despite the play-off chasing pack's current scramble for points, it could be argued that the performance was more important than the result for City as league leaders Newcastle came to town.

Following a string of subdued displays on the road in January, Nigel Pearson's men finally gave the kind of heroic team performance that could get their season back on track.

City had begun to lose their way somewhat, with no recent evidence of the crisp passing football that was demonstrated against the Magpies.

It was a fascinating encounter, which took an unexpected early turn when Richie Wellens was dismissed for two bookings.

The City support were furious with referee Andre Marriner.

But I thought Wellens deserved his red card and Bruno Berner was fortunate not to follow him down the tunnel after the break.

This was not about the referee or Newcastle's failure to capitalise on our reduction to 10 men, though.

Let us focus on the tremendous industry of Andy King, Paul Gallagher and Matt Oakley in midfield, the tireless and intelligent running of Matty Fryatt and Martyn Waghorn and the brave defending on show from the entire back four.

Those nine outfield City players, saddled with a huge workload after Wellens's dismissal, were brilliant.

Indeed, we could, and should, have won.

Towards the end of the first half, Fryatt received the ball on the halfway line with his back to goal. Within seconds, Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper had been wrong-footed only for Patrick van Aanholt's fortunate block to deny Fryatt what would undoubtedly have been the league's best goal of the season.

Pearson must be credited hugely for opting to play both Fryatt and Waghorn in attack during the second half.

Crucially, the midfield trio rose to the challenge of being outnumbered and the back-line dealt with everything Newcastle threw at them.

Just as players, supporters and management appeared to lose confidence after a crushing defeat at Nottingham Forest, perhaps this display against the only team with more points than our local rivals will restore self-belief.

We knew this performance was possible because we saw a similar one at QPR in late October. City now face a huge challenge to produce it again and again throughout the season, with added goals.

Whatever the rest of the season holds in store, the overwhelming emotion at the final whistle on Saturday was pride.

David Bevan is a City fan and contributor to the websites FoxesTalk and Vital Football.