Leicester 1-0 Crystal Palace

Barry Hayles scored a late winner for Leicester

Barry Hayles earned struggling Leicester City a vital three points with a late winner against promotion-chasing Crystal Palace.

In a tight contest Hayles bundled home from close range with a minute to go.

Foxes striker Steve Howard wasted decent chances in both halves while Hayles had a first-half penalty claim waved away by referee Eddie Ilderton.

In injury time DJ Campbell nearly made it 2-0, hitting the side-netting from a tight angle.

Interview: Leicester manager Ian Holloway

Interview: Leicester striker Barry Hayles

It was Crystal Palace's first defeat since 29 October, while Leicester moved further away from the Championship relegation places.

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Leicester manager Ian Holloway:

"We kept going til the end and concentrated hard and although we got a fortunate goal, I felt we deserved it.

"It was a scrappy old night and we new it would be difficult, Palace are a decent team.

"You can throw a very small handkerchief over this division and anyone can beat anyone.

"Three wins in a row and we could be in the play-offs, Palace have proved that is possible and that's what we have to try and do."

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock:
"The officials were the worst team out there. Leicester almost committed manslaughter on Scowcroft and every throw-in was given the wrong way.

"But one run has come to an end and it's important we kick on and go again.

"They didn't deserve to win, it was a scrappy game with two good defences and the worst pitch I've seen this year."

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Leicester: Alnwick, Stearman (N'Gotty 62), Kisnorbo, McAuley, Mattock, Hume (Campbell 76), Clemence, Oakley, Laczko (Bori 77), Howard, Hayles.
Subs Not Used: Fryatt, Wesolowski.

Booked: Clemence.

Goals: Hayles 89.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Halls, Hudson, Lawrence, Hill, Scannell (Kuqi 77), Watson, Derry (Moses 90), Soares, Morrison, Scowcroft.
Subs Not Used: Fletcher, Butterfield, Hills.

Att: 21,764

Ref: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).