Paul Gallagher scored a dead-ball brace as Leicester City overcame Cardiff City this afternoon.

The midfielder scored one from the spot and one from a free kick before Peter Whittingham got one back, also from 12 yards.

The home side were the only team who seemed capable of breaking the deadlock early on, with Gallagher dragging wide before Jermaine Beckford squandered from close in.

Kenny Miller, in attack for the visiting Bluebirds, was rarely supplied with any good service and Leicester took the lead from the spot four minutes before the break when Richie Wellens was brought down in a crowded penalty area.

Gallagher stepped up and dispatched with aplomb to give Leicester a deserved half-time lead.

David Nugent should have doubled the lead soon after the break but saw his one-on-one chance saved by David Marshall.

Leicester continued their domination as the game drew to a close and they confirmed their superiority through Gallagher, who curled a free kick home from the edge of the area.

Whittingham pulled a goal back for the visitors with the second spot kick of the game after Rudy Gestede was pushed over in the area.

Leicester climb a place to 12th with the win while Cardiff remain fifth despite the setback.