Leeds 1 Leicester 0: Hosts honour Speed's memory in style after early Becchio penalty secures win
By John Edwards
Gary Speed's memory was honoured in fitting style by Leeds United's players and fans at an emotional Elland Road.
If it hardly seems possible a year has passed since Speed's death, the way Leeds fans commemorated it was easier to believe.
He was revered by an adoring public, for his deeds in the No 11 shirt, and it showed as they applauded his life for 60 seconds before kick-off, then chanted his name for 11 minutes from the 11th minute.
By the time their rousing tribute had finished, those who have followed in Speed's footsteps had done their bit by claiming a thirdminute penalty breakthrough that was to prove decisive.
Attacking right back Sam Byram's darting run into the area was halted by a clumsy challenge from Jeff Schlupp, and Luciano Becchio calmly waited for Leicester protests to die down before sending former Leeds keeper Kasper Schmeichel the wrong way for his 12th goal of the campaign.
Fresh from denting Crystal Palace's promotion hopes with a win that knocked them off the Championship summit on Saturday, the hosts followed up with another top-three scalp, much to Neil Warnock's delight.
'It wasn't just that we won but the way we won that would have delighted Gary,' said the Leeds manager.
'That was a Gary Speed game, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. He never shirked a challenge and was always involved.
'I could just see him playing where David Norris was tonight, and I made Norris man of the match.
'I thought it was so appropriate for Gary that we should play like that on a night like tonight.'
It took a stunning save from Schmeichel to deny Leeds a second goal in the 27th minute after Paul Green connected perfectly with Becchio's low cross.
The Leicester keeper scarcely had time to see it, yet reacted brilliantly to palm it over.
Martyn Waghorn hinted at a Leicester revival with an angled volley against the bar in the 33rd minute, but, for all their second half pressure, Nigel Pearson's side struggled to make chances.
And after weathering the storm, Leeds resumed their search for a second goal, going closest in the 66th minute, after Becchio rolled an El Hadji Diouf cross into the path of substitute Michael Brown. The midfielder took careful aim, but shot inches wide.
After that, a year to the day after losing one of their favourite sons, Leeds were in no mood to let their lead slip. They duly held out, and the final whistle was greeted by cheers and more Speed chants. Players and supporters alike, they had done him proud.