Master Class

Leicester City have made a good start to the defence of their Masters title after beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 in the final of the Central Masters group stages.

The Leicester team included ex players such as Simon Grayson, Paul Groves, Iwan Roberts, Tommy Wright, Lee Philpott, Ali Mauchlen as well as a host of other Leicester legends.

Leicester started the group stages with an impressive 2-0 win against Notts County. Paul Groves scored both goals for Leicester and gave them confidence going into the second game.

The second game was against Nottingham Forest and was a more cautious affair, resulting in a 0-0 draw. This meant that Leicester only needed a point from their final game against Derby County to qualify for the final.

Although they only needed a point, Leicester managed to pick up all three. A goal from Simon Grayson gave Leicester the lead half way through the first half, before Phil Gee equalised with only two seconds of the half to go.

Lee Philpott scored the winning goal almost straight after the restart and this meant that Leicester were certain to reach the final.

In the final Leicester found themselves playing Forest again, Leicester started the more brightly with Philpott always looking a threat.

Although Leicester dominated the first half it was Forest who took the lead just before the break. Ian Woan scored the goal with a great left foot shot from outside the area.

Only a couple of minutes into the second half and Leicester were awarded a very harsh Penalty, after a tackle from Steve Hodges on Iwan Roberts.

Iwan Roberts dusted himself down and then coolly despatched the penalty to bring the game level. To make matters worse for Nottingham, Ian Woan was given a yellow card for arguing about the decision and this meant he was put into the sin bin.

Leicester took full advantage and Ali Mauchlen gave Leicester the lead with a well struck shot. Gary Mills did his best to try and get an equaliser for Forest, twice hitting the cross bar from distance.

Paul Groves clinched the game for Leicester with a goal just before the final whistle, with Forest pushing forward for an equaliser.

Leicester will now travel to the NEC at the end of the month to try and defend their title. Hopefully if they continue to show the organisation they showed tonight they will stand a good chance.

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