Goals from Liam Moore and David Nugent ensured that Leicester City triumphed 2-0 over a lacklustre Wigan Athletic side at the King Power Stadium.
Both teams looked to attack in the opening exchange, with Nugent's speculative volley dropping wide and Ben Watson forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a save.
In the 10th minute, Roger Espinoza's deflected effort dipped just over the bar as the home crowd held their breath.
Just five minutes later, they were on their feet celebrating the opener. Moore rose highest to power home a header from Anthony Knockeart's teasing cross.
On the half-hour mark, the one-time England striker Nugent skewed a shot wide from just eight yards out with the goal gaping.
Watson continued his eventful first half, fizzing a 30-yard free kick just wide and earning himself a booking for a late challenge on Danny Drinkwater either side of Nugent's chance.
Drinkwater released Jamie Vardy with half time approaching and the right winger forced Scott Carson into a good save.
The hosts looked to extend their lead after the break, and delightful build-up play between Andy King, Lloyd Dyer and Nugent teed up Vardy, but a superb last-ditch tackle by Espinoza denied the striker.
Manager Owen Coyle introduced Nick Powell and Jordi Gomez in the 55th minute as he looked to inject some creativity into his lacklustre side, and a disappointing Shaun Maloney departed soon after to be replaced by James McClean.
However, it was the home side who continued to create chances, with Nugent going close twice in the space of five minutes.
With the game approaching the final 10 minutes, Wigan finally forced Schmeichel into making a good save.
Emerson Boyce, captaining the Latics, rose highest to nod a header goalwards and the Danish goalkeeper had to be alert to keep his side ahead.
Watson, who was Wigan's busiest player, whipped an effort inches over the bar from the edge of the box as Wigan looked to be getting back into the game.
However, Jean Beausejour brought down Vardy in the 80th minute inside his area, and Nugent's penalty crept past Carson, who got a hand to the ball but could not quite keep it out.
A poor afternoon almost went from bad to worse in the 88th minute, but Leon Barnett's wayward header dropped just wide of Carson's post to spare the defender's blushes.
Kristian Johnson
