Michael Chopra gave the home side the lead on 20 minutes before Arsenal loanee Aaron Ramsey ensured all three points for the Bluebirds early in the second half, condemning the Foxes to their first league loss of the year.
Sven Goran-Eriksson made two changes to the side that won at home to Bristol City on Friday. Lloyd Dyer was handed a start ahead of Darius Vassell, who picked up a hamstring injury during Friday’s dramatic win. Jeffrey Bruma made his first start for the Foxes as a holding midfielder as Eriksson looked to adopt a slightly more defensive formation going into the contest.
But, Leicester were simply second best on the night as the attacking threat of Cardiff City’s frontline combined well on two occasions to send Dave Jone’s men climbing into Third place in the Championship promotion race.
Leicester made a lively start to the match and created some good chances early on. But, when Cardiff edged in front via Michael Chopra, they rarely looked like losing their lead.
Sven Goran-Eriksson has witnessed his side’s surge up the Championship table in recent months and, had Leicester continued their winning ways here tonight, they would have been level on points with Leeds United in sixth place.
However, all is not lost for the Foxes. Play-Off rivals Norwich City, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest all had to settle for draws from their Championship fixtures tonight. Nottingham Forest’s failure to see off struggling Preston North End will be of particular consolation for the Foxes Faithful.
Billy Davies’ side must have thought they had stolen all three points at the City Ground when Chris Coen gave them a 2-1 lead two minutes into stoppage time. But, Billy Jones struck back for Preston with 96 minutes on the clock to keep the East Midlands rivals still in touching distance.
Leicester City will be hoping to bounce back from this defeat on Saturday when they host Coventry City in what promises to be an explosive contest at the Walkers Stadium.