Pearson: Foxes must have belief

19 August 2009 08:42
The Foxes outplayed their hosts for the first hour in a pulsating match at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, leading through Matty Fryatt's second-half strike and they were only pegged back by a stunning equaliser from Keith Treacy. They resisted a late United charge to remain unbeaten in their opening three games and after taking points from two tricky away games following Saturday's draw at Ipswich, Pearson sees plenty of reason for encouragement. "Right from the word go I thought we could be competitive, I think for the players coming here tonight it will be a boost," said Pearson. "There will be times during the season in this league, because it is so tough, when things don't go your way. "I think for the players tonight, and certainly at Ipswich, that they have seen that they can compete, so if there was any doubts in their minds, they have seen in two very tough away games that they can be competitive. "But it is very early days, we have only played three league games." Pearson was particularly pleased with his side for the manner in which they continued to adopt their passing style in a game the Leicester boss ranks as one of the toughest of the season. "I thought we played some great football in the first half, we knew they would put us under pressure, they play quite a direct style, but I thought there was good football from both sides. "Sheffield United will be billed as one of the main sides of this division, who would fancy themselves for promotion, so I don't see any reason why we can't compete." Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell was pleased with his side's spirit to fight back for a point after going a goal down. "It was a game of two halves, we weren't at the races first half, but I thought we showed a great response in the second half and to go a goal down and come back even stronger is what I am really pleased with," Blackwell said. "We never got hold of any second balls in the first half so we didn't have a platform to attack from. We were much better in the second half when Quinny (Stephen Quinn) came on." Treacy's 25-yard rocket earned the Blades the point and Blackwell admits he did not know the on-loan winger had it in him. "What a goal to equalise with. If that was scored anywhere else in the world, you'd just take your hat off," he said. "I didn't know he had a right foot like that. If I'd have know that I'd have played him on the right."

Source: Team_Talk