Pearson: A Really Important Point

A late drive from substitute Ben Marshall gave Pearson’s men the share of the spoils that was the bare minimum their efforts at St Andrew’s deserved.

They had thoroughly dominated a first half that ended with a sucker punch from Blues striker Peter Lovenkrands and maintained their belief during a second period that appeared to be getting away from them.

And Marshall’s 25-yard leveller four minutes from time was enough to send them top, courtesy of Cardiff’s defeat against Nottingham Forest.

“It was another great performance,” Pearson told the media post-match.

“I thought we played exceptionally well again and sometimes things just don’t go your way.

“On the balance of it, some might argue it is two points dropped, but for me we earned a really important point today.

“We kept on going, we showed a togetherness and spirit that has been there throughout the season and will stand us in good stead.

“It was a really good performance; I’m really pleased with the players today.”

It looked like being a disappointing afternoon for the Foxes, who came into the game on the back of five successive wins.

But they were rewarded for their perseverance in the face of what Pearson felt were some frustration tactics on behalf of opponents in desperate search of form.

“We totally bossed the game; I can’t remember Kasper (Schmeichel) having anything to do apart from act as a sweeper. We defended well as a team and totally dominated possession.

“I’m disappointed the officials allowed the tempo of the game to be disrupted, but our players kept their concentration and were professional. We haven’t drawn a game for a long time so we’re glad we haven’t lost.”

Pearson also saved particular praise for the Blue Army, as nearly 4,000 supporters made the trip across the Midlands to see their side take the initiative in the Championship promotion race.

“There has been a lot of talk this week about falling attendances and the price of football, but our fans have been outstanding this season and they were a credit today,” he added.

“Even when we were behind, they remained vocal, were right behind us and were eventually rewarded.”