STEVE Howard fired leaders Leicester to victory with the only goal of the game at The Den.

The Foxes were always in control and the Lions ultimately disappointed their fans in front of the club's biggest home gate of the season.

Manager Kenny Jackett named an unchanged starting XI from last Tuesday’s 1-0 home win over Northampton.

Leicester survived an early scare in the 77th second when Tony Warner saved Gary Alexander’s flick on from Andy Frampton’s throw in with James Henry ideally positioned.

At the other end, Andy King and Howard had chances for the Foxes in an entertaining start to the game.

Henry smashed in a shot on 21 minutes which Warner could only push out into the path of Marc Laird.

He went down under a challenge from Joe Matlock, but referee Anthony Taylor ignored Millwall’s penalty appeals.

It was a crucial moment in the game because Leicester were in front one minute later.

The ball fell into the path of Howard on the edge of the area and he unleashed a low volley which flew past David Forde.

Dave Martin should have done better four minutes later when he got on the end of a cross six yards from goal but instead of opting to shoot first time, he pulled the ball across and his eventual effort was blocked.

Howard was lucky to escape with a yellow card after a clumsy looking challenge on Tony Craig nine minutes before the interval.

A mistake by Jimmy Abdou just inside his own half gifted Leicester possession on 42 minutes and the visitors almost took full advantage when Howard’s shot from 25 yards produced a save from Forde.

And Howard came close again just before half-time with a free-kick from 30-yards which sailed just inches wide of Forde’s post.

Henry headed well off target 12 minutes into the second half from Martin’s cross, but he turned provider with a delivery of his own moments later which Warner did well to push behind under pressure from Alexander.

Only the quick thinking of Forde prevented Tom Cleverley doubling Leicester’s lead midway through the half when the Lions keeper pushed behind his goalbound shot for a corner.

Matt Fryatt should have put the outcome beyond doubt when his low shot hit the post and his header from the rebound went wide before Jackett replaced Alexander with Neil Harris.

Tony Craig’s 81st minute header produced a comfortable stop from Warner as the Lions again went in search of an equaliser.

But the Grandstand finale never really materialised and Leicester held on to seal the three points.

Millwall: Forde, Duffy, Craig, Whitbread, Frampton, Henry, Laird (Grimes 46), Bolder (Fuseni 59), Abdou, Martin, Alexander (Harris 79). Subs not used: Pidgeley, Barron. Att: 13,261.