Leicester City 2 Watford 0

Last updated : 10 August 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Leicester got off to a winning start in the new £35 million pounds Walkers Stadium thanks to a double strike from veteran forward Brian Deane.

After a drab first half, City struck twice within ten minutes of the restart and only the brilliance of keeper Alec Chamberlain stood between Watford and total humiliation.

Nicky Summerbee was a surprise choice for Leicester after Matthew Piper had fallen ill overnight with a stomach upset.

The only other worthwhile talking point before the break was a superbly struck 30-yard free kick from Alan Rogers which Chamberlain kept out with a fingertip save.

But Leicester came alive in the second half to confirm their status as promotion favourites.

Deane underlined a sparkling performance with two beautifully taken goals in front of a near capacity crowd.

The second half was just 90 seconds old when Deane grabbed his first. Muzzy Izzet, demonstrating the skills which have earned him a six million pound price tag, waltzed past Paul Robinson and Alan Nielson on the right before cutting the ball back from the touchline to Summerbee whose far post cross was headed home by Deane.

Confidence began to flow through the Foxes and after James Scowcroft had tested the keeper with a rising 25-yard drive, City doubled their advantage on 54 minutes.

Deane found Scowcroft on the left who cut inside the full-back before returning the ball to Deane who beat Chamberlain with a deft flick with the outside of his boot from six yards.

City threatened to run riot with Chamberlain preventing further embarrassment with stunning one-handed saves, first from Jordan Stewart and then Gerry Taggart and Rogers.

On 82 minutes Scowcroft almost added a third when his bullet header from a Rogers cross thudded against Chamberlain's rightihand post.

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