Jamie Vardy strikes as Leicester edge past West Brom

Jamie Vardy grabbed his 15th goal of the season as Leicester hit 40 points with a 1-0 victory over West Brom at The Hawthorns.

The England international broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time to give the Foxes the lead and Craig Shakespeare’s side held on for a crucial win – their first in four games – to move nine points clear of the drop zone with only four games remaining.

Having already accumulated 44 points, West Brom have little to play for and a drab first-half performance was a strong indication of their disinterest. Chris Brunt created the only chance of note for Tony Pulis’ side when his arrowed header tested Kasper Schmeichel. And the hosts were culpable of their downfall as Leicester edged in front on the stroke of half-time: Allan Nyom conceded possession in midfield and Shinji Okazaki's threaded pass found Vardy, who slid the ball past a helpless Ben Foster.

West Brom were booed off at the interval but slightly improved after the restart and could have levelled the scores with Craig Dawson and Nacer Chadli both going close. However, the Baggies weren’t able to find a goal as they extended their run without scoring to a concerning five games.

Leicester’s second away win of the season moves them to 10th on 40 points while West Brom remain eighth and four points ahead of Southampton in ninth.

Apathetic West Brom pay the price: Tony Pulis has now only managed six wins out of 43 Premier League games after his sides have reached the magical 40-point mark. An embarrassing statistic for the 59-year-old but the sad truth is that he hasn't been able to motivate his West Brom players for the best part of two months now. The Baggies faithful deserve better and have every right to be frustrated.

Robert Huth (Leicester): He was incredibly unfortunate to score an own goal in midweek but the centre-back bounced back from the setback to produce a man of the match performance at The Hawthorns. He was rock solid in the visitors' defence, dealing comfortably with everything thrown at him.

West Brom: Foster 6, Dawson 7, McAuley 6, Evans 6, Nyom 5; Yacob 5, Livermore 6; Morrison 6, Brunt 6, Chadli 5; Rondon 5. Subs: McClean 7, Fletcher, 6, Leko 6.

Leicester: Schmeichel 6, Simpson 6, Benalouane 6, Huth 8, Fuchs 7, Mahrez 7, Ndidi 6, Drinkwater 6, Albrighton 6, Okazaki 7, Vardy 7. Subs:, King N/A, Ulloa 6.

17’ - FINE SAVE! Evans curls an inviting cross to the back post where Brunt out-jumps Fuchs and arrows a header at goal but Schmeichel does well to parry the ball behind.

43’ - GOAL! Vardy puts Leicester ahead! The England international has been largely anonymous - but he only needs half a chance. Nyom concedes possession in midfield, Okazaki then threads a through ball to the forward, who slides the ball into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of Foster.

47’ - CLOSE! Brilliant movement from Vardy allows him space, he gets to the by-line and fizzes a ball across goal but it's slightly ahead of Okazaki, who can't grow enough to apply the finish.

55’ - CHANCE! West Brom win a corner, Brunt swings it in and Dawson rises highest but he heads it into the ground and the ball bounces harmlessly over the bar.

62’ - JUST OVER! Chadli bends the free-kick over the wall but it's always drifting over.

79’ - PENALTY APPEAL! Huth nudges Rondon off the ball inside the penalty area as the West Brom striker goes to ground. Mark Clattenburg has a good view but signals play on.