Leicester City 2 Barnsley 1: Flitcroft remains defiant after worst start in over 50 years

The Tykes suffered a seventh defeat in nine games – their worst start to a season for more than 50 years. But Flitcroft said: “I am not naive enough to think I am not under pressure but I am up for the fight.

“So is this group of players. I have seen the first ‘goal’ from Scott Wiseman that was disallowed and it was about half a yard onside. If you go one up against Leicester it might change the outcome.

“But certainly there was some fight in the team and some positives to come from the performance. I have got players who can threaten teams and hurt teams.

“We have come away with another defeat which is disappointing but there was a lot of encouragement from the performance.

“We have had a tough week trying to freshen up the squad and I want to know this group of players are fighting for the football club and for me. And I believe they are.”

After a sixth win in nine games, Leicester manager Nigel Pearson believes he has a better-balanced squad this season to deal with the pressure of challenging for promotion.

After a frustrating first half for Leicester, David Nugent made the breakthrough in the 49th minute, drilling home a low shot after being set up by Lloyd Dyer. It was Nugent’s fifth goal of the season but his first from open play.

He then increased the lead, hammering home his fifth penalty of the season after Jamie Vardy was brought down by on-loan goalkeeper Jack Butland in the 61st minute. Barnsley battled back with substitute striker 
Jason Scotland scoring with a 72nd -minute header.

It needed a fabulous save by Kasper Schmeichel 10 minutes later to preserve Leicester’s advantage.

Schmeichel threw himself across goal to keep out a header from Barnsley captain Martin Crainie that looked certain to bring an equaliser.

Pearson said: “We negotiated a tough game very well and could have won it by more. It was disappointing to concede a goal, but in all honesty the way they set up and their approach to the game, it became clear very early on that it was a damage limitation exercise.

“I know we will have some dips this season, but I think we are better equipped to deal with them this season than we were last.”

Leicester City: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Moore, Konchesky, Knockaert (Hammond 85), Drinkwater, King (James 86), Dyer, Nugent (Taylor-Fletcher 90), Vardy. Unused substitutes: Schlupp, Miquel, Logan, Wasilewski.

Barnsley: Butland, Wiseman, Cranie, Mvoto, Kennedy, Jennings (Scotland 65), Fox, Perkins, McCourt, Noble-Lazarus (Cywka 59), O’Grady (Rose 80). Unused substitutes: O’Brien, Dawson, Mellis, Etuhu.

Referee: P Gibbs (West Midlands).

Man of the match: David Nugent.