Nottingham Forest 2 Leicester City 3

ANTHONY KNOCKAERT landed the knockout blow in injury time which squeezed Leicester into the Championship play-offs.

City’s promotion dream — and the £100million riches from Premier League football — remain in reach after a dramatic victory which destroyed the similar ambitions of neighbours Forest.

Leicester edged unlucky Bolton for the final top-six place only on goal difference — and purely thanks to Knockaert’s golden moment.

With both teams clearly out on their feet through sheer exhaustion, the visitors launched one last lightning raid which left them with a four-versus-one advantage as Forest were caught on the counter.

Knockaert passed sideways to Chris Wood, he returned the compliment and the 21-year-old French winger — who cost £2m from Guingamp — netted in the easiest possible fashion.

Knockaert’s precious strike sparked wild celebrations among the 2,000-plus travelling fans.

Lloyd Dyer, substituted towards the end, sprinted off waving his arms in the air and was promptly booked by referee Mike Dean for invading the pitch!

That was not the end of Dyer’s troubles. Angry Forest fans rushed behind City’s dugout, hurling abuse.

Dyer, in particular, was a target and there were suggestions later that he had been spat at.

But Leicester manager Nigel Pearson insisted: “We are not going to make anything of it — and I’m certainly not going to take a dim view of one of my players being so happy because we had scored such an important goal.

“We are in the play-offs against Watford. Whether we deserve to be there or not is for others to debate.

“We can easily argue how our qualification is just, with so much of the credit going to all members of my squad for their hard work.

“Our confidence is restored. This was such a tough, tense afternoon and we should thank Billy Davies and Forest’s fans for congratulating us afterwards.”

Forest boss Davies said: “We are not down, certainly not devastated. We are already planning for next season.

“All we have completed is step one in stage one. Well done to Leicester.”

The Foxes were off to a bad start when Ireland ace Simon Cox headed Forest in front — his first goal in 27 games for club and country — from Andy Reid’s centre in the fourth minute.

But that was the signal for City to seize command and they were level after 24 minutes when Matty James’ shot was deflected past Karl Darlow.

Chances piled up at either end, with Forest clearing three times off their own line.

Knockaert’s inviting cross allowed Andy King to nod City back in front after 42 minutes.

Reid countered with another curling free-kick from the left and defender Elliott Ward’s firm header tied it up again at 2-2.

But the Foxes were not finished and Knockaert’s dramatic winner keeps their Prem dream alive.

Football – The Sun

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