Match verdict: No goals from Leicester City – but it's a big improvement

You know things are not falling for Leicester City when even the usually infallible Chris Wood misses from the penalty spot.

Wood has been outstanding since joining City in January and has been prolific in front of goal, scoring eight times in seven games until Saturday's goalless draw at Blackpool.

However, he demonstrated that he is human after all when he crashed his spot-kick against the crossbar five minutes after half-time, following Alex Baptiste's trip on debutant Harry Kane.

There was double shock for City fans when Wood missed another golden opportunity to win the game when he scooped his shot wide from close range with the goal at his mercy.

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That pretty much summed up how things have been going for City since their impressive surge into second place in the table ended at Peterborough two weeks ago.

It has been a horrendous fortnight, which also saw them crash out of the FA Cup on home soil at the hands of Huddersfield, and lose at the King Power Stadium to a Charlton side that had not won in their previous four games.

But City showed signs of getting back on track on a beach of a pitch in Blackpool. This was a markedly better performance.

City were outfought by Charlton last time out, but they rolled up their sleeves and more than matched Blackpool for effort in every department.

Free-flowing football was rendered impossible by the playing surface, so the game was reduced to a battle – and City had the stomach for it.

Andy King displayed how much his all-round game has developed with a battling display in midfield, while goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was in outstanding form.

The Seasiders only really threatened through Tom Ince, and he had the hosts' best chance in the second half when he only had Schmeichel to beat, but the City keeper was equal to his effort.

City's rearguard has been the cornerstone of their season so far but, in recent weeks, they had looked vulnerable. However, they were back to their best on Saturday, led by superb captain Wes Morgan.

While others certainly were not relishing playing on arguably the worst pitch in the Football League, a pitch more suited for grazing cows, Morgan was like a bull at the back.

City had adopted an unfamiliar 4-3-3 system, with new signing Kane and David Nugent flanking Wood in attack.

City carried a strong attacking threat but lacked the punch to claim the three points which were up for grabs. That is the area they must improve upon tomorrow night when Blackburn come to town.

But the reaction of the travelling City fans summed up the mood at the final whistle. They may not have seen a victory, but they had appreciated a performance full of commitment, will and endeavour.

That is what City fans want to see first and foremost. Then they can forgive the odd penalty miss.