Soccer
Winning start for Russell Martin as Leicester edge past Northampton
Russell Martin celebrated his first competitive game in charge of Leicester with a 1-0 victory over Northampton in the first round of the Carabao Cup thanks to Caleb Okoli’s first-half goal.
The former Southampton and Rangers manager has been tasked with leading Leicester’s recovery following relegation to League One and overcame a spirited showing from League Two opponents at the King Power Stadium.
Northampton should have taken the lead inside the first minute, Harvey Saunders running on to a stray Harry Souttar pass before goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk came to his captain’s rescue.
Leicester, winners of this competition three times, most recently in 2000, broke the deadlock after 15 minutes thanks to Okoli’s deflected header from Luke Thomas’ corner.
Northampton, with Chris Hogg in charge for the first time, could have levelled before the break as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans’ effort was pushed wide by Stolarczyk.
Leicester should have wrapped up the game early in the second half but Zach Jeacock denied Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
The home fans were upset when new signing Liam Cullen’s sweetly-struck volley was ruled out after a late offside flag.
But Leicester were always in control with fellow debutants Tommy Watson and Wes Burns given warm welcomes as they came on as subs.
