The Football League has praised Leicester City following events at The City Ground last night (Tuesday).

After the initial Carling Cup second round tie had been dramatically abandoned three weeks ago, the Foxes gifted their local rivals an opening goal within 15 seconds.

They allowed Paul Smith to walk the ball unaided into the back of their net but the visitors hit back to win 3-2 thanks to goals from Alan Sheehan, Richard Stearman and Stephen Clemence.

City will now meet Aston Villa in the third round next Wednesday at Villa Park (7.45).

Football League Head of Communications John Nagle said: "Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney contacted Leicester City Chief Executive Tim Davies this morning to offer his congratulations to the club on last night's act of sportsmanship.

"Leicester's actions are a demonstration of football at its very best.

"Previously Lord Mawhinney had also contacted Nottingham Forest following the original match to congratulate them on their good sportsmanship in agreeing to the abandonment of the game.

"The sporting attitudes shown by Nottingham Forest and Leicester City across these two matches reflect extremely well on the game of football."