Source: Team_Talk
Draw was a fair result - Pearson
A scintillating first-half performance looked to have put the Foxes on course for a comfortable win at the Walkers Stadium, with two goals from Andy King inside the opening 20 minutes.[LNB]But it was a different story after the break as Coventry rallied and got back in it through James McPake, before snatching a point in the 87th minute when Gary Deegan tapped in from close range.[LNB]Leicester could not repeat their impressive first-half display after the interval, but Pearson backed his players.[LNB]"We were by far the better side in the first half. Second half - give them credit, they played much better," he said.[LNB]"I think the draw is fair. Their second-half performance warranted a draw. We still had some opportunities."[LNB]Asked directly if he felt his players under-performed in the second period, a hostile and aggressive Pearson snapped back: "I have got no complaints with my players at all. If you think I am going to criticise my players in front of you, forget it."[LNB]Pearson did admit that it was two points dropped, though, and although a top-six berth looks a certainty for the Foxes going into the run-in, he is keen to avoid complacency.[LNB]"It is a tough league. I think it is two points dropped. We have had to work very hard to get ourselves into this situation," he said.[LNB]"I think it is bit of a wake-up call for anyone who thinks we are over the line. We didn't quite see the situation through."[LNB]Coventry boss Chris Coleman revealed he gave his players a verbal bashing in the dressing room after a dismal first-half showing.[LNB]But the Welshman was delighted with his side's comeback.[LNB]"It was a classic example of a game of two halves," he said. "First half we were poor, second we were good. It was a good derby.[LNB]"I spoke to them about tactics and then I spoke to them about a few other things.[LNB]"They came out and gave me a response. If you haven't got 11 players who are ready to work then tactics don't matter.[LNB]"They came out in spite of me, maybe because of some of the things I said to them."[LNB]There was some controversy surrounding Leicester's second goal as King's header crashed off the underside of the bar.[LNB]The referee's assistant immediately flagged to award the goal, but TV replays have since cast doubt as to whether all of the ball crossed the line.[LNB]And Coleman was unhappy with the decision.[LNB]"When I have seen it again I am not sure," he said. "It was a tough one to call. Look from his view again and I am not sure he can call that."[LNB][LNB]
