adminRussell Martin believes Leicester City can use their 2-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers as a turning point after a difficult start to their League One campaign.
Goals from John Lundstram and Kamari Doyle secured three valuable points at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, October 17, giving Martin some much-needed breathing space after last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Peterborough United.
The Foxes had entered the game under pressure, with another poor result threatening to increase doubts surrounding the manager’s position.
However, Leicester responded with an improved performance, showing greater determination and quality in key moments to claim only their third league victory of the season.
Doncaster made a lively start and caused problems for the hosts, with Leon Ayinde offering an attacking threat and Grant McCann’s side enjoying periods of control during the opening half-hour.
Leicester gradually grew into the contest, although the visitors initially looked capable of frustrating Martin’s men.
The breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time when John Lundstram produced a superb finish to put the Foxes ahead.
After Warren O’Hora directed Louis Page’s corner into his path, the Leicester captain struck a powerful left-footed volley beyond goalkeeper Tommy Simkin to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the interval.
The goal proved important after Doncaster had threatened to take control of the match during the opening stages.
Leicester returned for the second half with greater confidence and doubled their advantage in the 61st minute.
Kamari Doyle collected a pass from Luke Thomas before curling an excellent effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area, leaving Simkin with little chance of keeping it out.
The finish gave Leicester a two-goal cushion and appeared to put them firmly in control of the contest.
However, Doncaster refused to surrender and made the closing stages uncomfortable for the home supporters.
In the 84th minute, Brandon Hanlan delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, where Alfie May attempted to turn it towards goal. Warren O’Hora’s intervention sent the ball into his own net, reducing the deficit and setting up a nervy finish.
Leicester were forced to remain organised as Doncaster searched for an equaliser, but Martin’s side held on to secure a victory that could prove important for their confidence.
Will Alves also came close to adding a third goal late on, striking the crossbar as Leicester looked to put the result beyond doubt.
Russell Martin reacts to Leicester City’s victory
Martin was pleased with the character his players showed, particularly after Doncaster pulled a goal back and threatened to spoil the afternoon.
Speaking after the match, the Leicester manager said: “Ideally, we would have scored a couple more goals because I think we warranted that.”
He also believes the difficult closing stages could prove valuable to a team still learning how to manage pressure.
“It tells the lads, ‘everything can be good, it can be fine’. They showed real composure and stayed calm,” Martin explained.
“When they had to suffer, they suffered together and stayed really focused on what they had to do.
“I’m proud of them for doing that and very pleased for them, too.”
The manager also highlighted the importance of the team’s work without the ball, insisting that Leicester must combine their preferred style of football with the determination required to compete in League One.
“I think we played some really good football but it’s all about basics, even more in League One and League Two because of what you come up against. Today, the players really did that,” he added.
“They’ve always periods of a match, even if you win four or 5-0, when it gets tough and you have to be tough.
“Today, we were tough and we have to live in this moment all the time now.”
Martin was also keen to see his players maintain the attitude they displayed against Doncaster rather than treating the victory as an isolated result.
He wants Leicester to build momentum and carry their improved performance into their next fixture against Bromley.
John Lundstram and Kamari Doyle deliver when Leicester need them most
Lundstram and Doyle provided the decisive moments for Leicester, with both midfielders producing excellent finishes to put their side in a commanding position.
Lundstram’s strike arrived at a crucial time just before half-time, rewarding Leicester after Doncaster had enjoyed a promising opening spell.
Doyle’s second-half goal was equally important, giving the Foxes a two-goal advantage and providing further evidence of the quality they can produce when their attacking play comes together.
Luke Thomas also played a part in the second goal with the pass that set Doyle up for his finish.
Although the late own goal prevented Leicester from keeping a clean sheet, the team showed enough resilience to protect their lead and claim all three points.
Martin praised the collective effort, pointing to the players’ aggression, togetherness and willingness to work through difficult moments.
The victory was particularly significant for a side that had struggled to turn encouraging spells into consistent results.
Russell Martin demands more from Leicester City players
Despite the relief of winning, Martin made it clear that Leicester cannot afford to let their standards drop.
The manager wants his players to maintain the personality and determination they displayed against Doncaster, while continuing to improve their ability to handle setbacks.
He also stressed that the team must approach their next match with the same focus rather than becoming distracted by the possibility of building a longer winning run.
Leicester’s immediate challenge is to turn Saturday’s result into the start of a more consistent spell.
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