Preston 2-1 Leicester

Leicester crashed out of this year's Carling Cup after surrendering a one goal advantage to lose 2-1 at Deepdale earlier this evening.

Two goals from Chris Brown in reply to Nicky Adams' first-half opener gave the Lilywhites the win on the night, sending them into the hat for the third round draw tomorrow evening.

As expected, Nigel Pearson tinkered with his side ahead of the game, bringing in Michael Morrison, Aleksander Tunchev, Chris Powell, Nicky Adams and Andy King into the starting lineup for the match.

It was in fact Leicester who started the game very brightly, showing strong signs of the form displayed thus far in the season. Matty Fryatt and Dany N'Guessan both registered early efforts on goal as City showed their intentions at Deepdale.

It didn't take long for the visitors to take the lead, when an impressive run from N'Guessan set up Adams to curl home the game's opener. It was the perfect start for Pearson's side, against a Preston side also strong on the form-front.

Just as things were looking up, Preston hit back immediately. Aleksander Tunchev, making his first appearance of the season, missed a vital interception to allow Preston striker Chris Brown the opportunity to strike on goal. The resulting effort was somewhat fortunate to hit the back of the net, as it cannoned off a Leicester defender to leave Weale helpless.

The goal had clearly deflated City, as the home side pushed forward in search of a second goal before the break. Thankfully Chris Weale was in inspired form in the Foxes goal, making one particularly point blank range save immediately after the Preston equaliser.

However, Leicester began to find their feet once again and came close to scoring themselves on several occassions before half-time. Nicky Adams was looking the most potent goal threat, but his efforts were proving to be in vain as the scoreline read equal at the break.

The beginning of the second period was lamentably uneventful, the only highlight from the opening 20 minutes being another Chris Weale save to keep the match even.

However, he was powerless to avoid Preston from taking the lead in the 65th minute. Eddie Nolan's beautiful cross from the left-wing was met by Brown, who made no mistake of powering home the header for his and Preston's second goal.

As the minutes ticked away, Leicester's football began to rapidly deteriorate, the goal clearly having a substantial psychological effect on the players. Nicky Adams spurned the Foxes' best chance of the half, wastefully firing over the bar inside the penalty area.

Pearson introduced new signing Yann Kermorgant and veteran Paul Dickov in the 78th minute, with Paul Gallagher and Matt Oakley making way. Dickov's contribution was three quick-fire fouls and a needless display of petulance to wind down the clock in favour of the home side.

It was too little to late for City, who had thrown the match away after a promising start to the game. A stroke of luck proved to be the catalyst for Preston's success on the day, as both goalkeepers put in creditable performances for their respective sides. In the end it was down to cutting edge, with a moment of real quality from Nolan and Brown emerging decisive.

Leicester: Weale; Neilson, Morrison, Tunchev, Powell, N'Guessan, Oakley, A King, Adams, Fryatt, Gallagher. Subs: Logan, Gradel, O'Neill, Hobbs, Dyer (75 for N'Guessan), Kermorgant (78 for Gallagher), Dickov (78 for Oakley).

Preston: Lonergan; Hart, Sedgwick, Shumulikoski, Brown, Carter, St Ledger, Chilvers, Parry, Nolan, Elliott. Subs: Davidson, Chaplow (77 for Carter), Jones, Henderson, Wallace, Parkin, Mellor (77 for Elliott).

Chris Weale (Leicester): An inspired performance between the sticks prevented a rout for the home side, as they enjoyed the game's better chances. Weale was in top form for Leicester, and certainly didn't deserve to end up on the losing side.

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