Classic Encounter: Leicester Off To A Flyer On Filbert Way

Heritage
15 Jun 2020
2 Minutes
In seven days, Leicester City will resume their 2019/20 Premier League campaign with a visit to Vicarage Road to face Watford (12:30pm kick-off).

As the countdown continues to City's eagerly-awaited return, Foxes fans will be recalling several other clashes with the Hornets from over the years.

Naturally, a dramatic play-off clash in 2013 will come to mind, plus Leicester's redemption in Hertfordshire the following season, but this week, we look back 18 years.

The date was 10 August, 2002 and Micky Adams' Foxes were beginning a new era for the Football Club after leaving Filbert Street, their home for 111 years.

Leicester City 2 Watford 0
Saturday 10 August, 2002
King Power Stadium
Championship

Brian Deane added another notable landmark to his prestigious career by scoring the first two competitive goals on Filbert Way in a 2-0 success for Leicester City over Watford.

The maiden goalscorer of the Premier League era, Deane's two goals ensured it was a comfortable start to City's new life at Walkers Stadium, now King Power Stadium, on a sun-drenched afternoon.

Following the Foxes' relegation from the top flight one season earlier, financial burdens were hanging over the Club as they approached the 2002/03 season amid new their surroundings.

However, a capacity crowd of over 31,000 turned up for the opening day, but the first half proved to be a frustrating, goalless affair, while skipper Matt Elliott was also withdrawn with injury.

A new dawn rose for the Club with the opening of their 32,000-capacity venue.

Within two minutes of the restart, though, Adams' hosts were in front as Nicky Summerbee, playing for free, floated a cross in from the right for Deane to nod past goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain.

James Scowcroft repeated the favour on 55 minutes, meanwhile, with a cute cross into the area, just needing the slightest of touches from Deane to double his tally for the day.

The campaign would conclude with promotion for Leicester, despite them eventually falling into administration, as Adams inspired his side to a second-placed finish in the old First Division.

City: Walker; Rogers, Sinclair, Elliott (c) (McKinlay 20'), Taggart, Marshall; Summerbee, Izzet, Scowcroft; Deane (Benjamin 81'), Dickov (Stewart 80')

Subs not used: Flowers, Stevenson

Goals: Deane 47', 55'

Capacity: 31,022