BEGOVIC HELPS TO SPOIL CITY COMEBACK BID

FORMER Stoke City favourite Asmir Begovic came to the fore to deny his old side and earn a hard-fought 2-1 win for Leicester.

- Peter Smith

Stephy Mavididi gave the hosts the lead with a well-struck shot as he ran into the penalty area, and Stoke were kicking themselves for going in two behind when Patson Daka broke behind the defence to finish just before halftime.

Bae Junho’s first goal in seven months gave Stoke hope at the start of the second half and he had a half-volley well saved.

Million Manhoef was also denied in a one-on-one.

Junho had gone close from a Manhoef cross in the first half too.

Stoke pushed for an equaliser but they couldn't find a way past Begovic, who was also able to slow down the Potters’ tempo by killing the match whenever he had the opportunity - including in an injury-time squabble with Divin Mubama underneath his own crossbar.

Stoke were roundly applauded off by a 3,000-odd travelling fans and now return to the Potteries for a home double header when they'll look to get back to winning ways.

Mark Robins had made one change, replacing injured Lewis Baker by bringing in Tomas Rigo, who took a place in central midfield next to Ben Pearson.

Stoke started brightly enough and had enough of the ball through the opening stages, including plenty in the Leicester half.