4 years ago
272 
By Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport at King Power Stadium
Leicester got their Champions League push back on track with a narrow win over Sheffield United to move within a point of third-placed Chelsea.
The hosts dominated the first half with 19-year-old debutant Luke Thomas impressing at left wing-back and it was his low cross which set up the opener for Ayoze Perez after 29 minutes.
Brendan Rodgers' side should have extended their lead after the break when Harvey Barnes was twice denied by Dean Henderson after clever through balls by Jamie Vardy.
The Foxes' top scorer also hit the post, and it looked as though Sheffield United might force their way back into the match after a second-half improvement
They came closest to scoring when John Egan's header was tipped wide by Kasper Schmeichel.
But, as the game hung in the balance, substitute Demarai Gray, on for Barnes, collected Vardy's pass and beat Henderson to finally seal the win after 79 minutes.
Leicester's victory was only their second in six games since the restart but it was a timely boost for Rodgers' team, who moved three points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United who face Crystal Palace later on Thursday
For Chris Wilder's visitors, the result ended a four-game unbeaten run which included wins over Tottenham, Wolves and Chelsea.
They remain eighth, two points behind sixth-placed Wolves, with the prospect of European football next season looking out of their hands.
Reaction to Thursday's Premier League actionMore to follow.
