David Nugent's late goal has ensured that Leicester City maintain their recent good run of form and a healthy lead at the top of Championship against a much-improved Leeds United side.

The Yorkshire outfit started far brighter than in their 6-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last week and could have taken the lead in the first few minutes when Luke Varney cross offered a free header to Ross McCormack, but his effort came back off the post.

Leicester had their own early chance when a Jamie Vardy half-volley was too good for Paddy Kenny, but it hit the frame of the goal.

However, it was Leeds who dominated the remainder of the first half and created plenty of chances to score.

When Kasper Schmeichel failed to deal with a Stephen Warnock cross, the ball fell to McCormack, who attempted an audacious lob that was headed off the line and arrived back at his feet, but his second effort was tipped around by the Danish keeper.

Paul Konchesky's error created the best opportunity of the half for Brian McDermott's men and McCormack was again the beneficiary, but he could not find a way past Schmeichel when one-on-one with the Foxes shot-stopper.

On 26 minutes, Leeds were gifted another golden chance when Schmeichel flapped at a corner and Tom Lees managed to head over from two yards out when it looked easier to score.

Leicester started to enjoy more possession but their only major opportunity to score fell to Anthony Knockaert, who blazed his shot over the bar.

However, Nigel Pearson's side began to settle after the interval and almost edged in front when Matthew James curling went agonisingly wide of Kenny's goal.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Leicester snatched the three points when Nugent saw his initial effort blocked but managed to poke the loose ball past the Leeds keeper.

Leicester held on for the win, which keeps them seven points ahead of their nearest challengers at the top of the table.