Goater goal keeps City alive
seventh Premier League victory on Saturday -- a 2-1 away win over Leicester City -- and so helped keep alive City's slim chances of avoiding relegation.
The Bermudian striker popped up in the right place in the 16th minute, firing the Blues into the lead with his fifth Premiership goal of the season.
The architect was Mark Kennedy on the left flank whose cross was headed first by Paulo Wanchope. Keeper Tim Flowers failed to hold the ball and Goater, almost on the goal-line, headed home.
Leicester striker Akinbiyi equalised five minutes from the break, setting up a furious second half battle, one ultimately decided in favour of Manchester when Wanchope produced a dazzling piece of skill for the winner.
Danny Granville provided the cross, the Costa Rican hitman held the ball up and with his back to the goal back-healed the ball through Andy Impey's legs and beyond the reach of Flowers.
"I always believed we could score again,'' said manager Joe Royle after Leicester had cancelled out City's early lead.
Royle likewise remained hopeful of his side remaining a part of the Premiership. The victory allowed City to move up a place from 19th, ahead of Coventry on goal average -- both have 30 points.
However, the Blues have much to do in order to catch Derby or Middlesbrough, each with 35 points and having played one game less. City have four matches remaining against Manchester United, Chelsea, Ipswich and West Ham.
"We have given ourselves a glimmer of hope and had we lost today it would have been very hard,'' said Royle. "Despite Middlesbrough's win at Arsenal, it is up to us and there is now more at stake for us next week at Old Trafford now that Manchester United have won the title.'' Shaun Goater: vital early goal.