CRISIS club Leeds United slumped to one of the lowest points in their history as their miserable run continued with a 2-1 home defeat against Leicester City.

The morale-shattered Whites, who have never been out of the top two tiers of the League, are now second to bottom of the Championship and looking like relegation fodder.

Caretaker-boss John Carver felt last night's game - the fourth home loss in five League games - hinged on two key decisions. He thought the dismissal of York-born defender Matthew Kilgallon and a disallowed effort by Robbie Blake tipped the match the Foxes' way.

"The defeat hinged on two big decisions," he said.

"The first was the sending-off. I have had a look at it on the video and we will be appealing against it.

"For me it was a 50-50 challenge. Killa had his arm across the guy (Elvis Hammond), the guy had his arm across Killa and they both fell over. I have watched it five or six times and it was never a sending-off."

Leeds were trailing 1-0 at half-time to Danny Tiatto's volley and could have been further behind had Gareth McAuley's bar-hitting header been a bit lower.

Tiatto's free-kick from the Kilgallon's 53rd-minute dismissal hit the base of Neil Sullivan's post and for a short spell the Foxes threatened to over-run the home side.

But Carver, who sacrificed striker David Healy to bring on defender Hayden Foxe, switched from 4-4-2 to 4-3-2 and pairing Richard Cresswell with Ian Moore up front.

On 78 minutes Carver's decision looked as though it had got its reward when substitute Robbie Blake's header appeared to cross the line before being scrambled clear.

Carver said: I have watched it again on video and the ball was about a yard over the line."

Soon after Leeds, who gave a debut to 19-year-old Adam Johnson, on loan from Middlesbrough, were caught on the break and Iain Hume rolled on the second.

Paul Butler's late header to give United some hope, but Leicester deservedly hung on for maximum points.

With little cash to play with and morale at rock-bottom, whoever chairman Ken Bates eventually installs to succeed the axed Kevin Blackwell, faces a huge task to get Leeds moving up the table.

Leeds match facts

Coca-Cola Championship
Leeds United 1, Leicester City 2
(at Elland Road)Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Crainey, Moore, Douglas, Derry, Johnson (Westlake 90), Healy (Foxe), Cresswell (Blake 71). Subs (not used): Warner, Richardson. Sent off: Kilgallon 53. Cautions: Butler, Healy, Cresswell, Douglas, Derry. Goal: Butler 87.

Leicester City: Logan, Kisnorbo, Hughes, Hume, Williams, (Welch 23), Tiatto (Sylla 81), McAuley, Eric-Johansson, Low (Maybury 85), Stearman, Hammond. Subs (not used): Henderson, O'Grady. Cautions: Hughes, Welch. Goals: Tiatto 29, Hume 81.

Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear) Attendance: 16,477