Jason Scotland had given Ipswich a 43rd minute lead, but Ben Marshall levelled before half-time and striker David Nugent scored the winner just before the hour mark.

The result ensured the Foxes won both games over the Easter period and Pearson's men are now three points behind sixth-placed Cardiff with four matches left to play.

"We're still hanging in there," said Pearson. "It's a great result for us and we certainly played better than we did on Saturday.

Pleasing

"We've lacked consistency all season. There's very little margin for error but we've put ourselves in a position where we're still in with a shout.

"That's pleasing and if we can go into the last game of the season with something to play for we'll be pretty happy.

"All in all, the season hasn't really panned out the way we hoped but we're still in with a chance."

Pearson made a double change at the break, sending on Paul Gallagher and Andy King, and was delighted with his side's strong second-half showing.

"We didn't have the energy levels we needed so it was a case of making a couple of changes to inject some fresh legs into the team," he said.

"Gallagher had an immediate effect, in terms of what he brings to the team quality-wise, and it was a good second half from us.

"We had numerous chances. I never felt we were in any danger and we could have won more convincingly."

Kick in the teeth

Ipswich boss Jewell felt the equaliser took the wind out of his side's sails, saying: "In the first half we played well. We were in the ascendancy and far superior, with lots of crosses and shots.

"To concede an equaliser in the manner we did, right on half-time, was a real kick in the teeth and we didn't seem to recover.

"We laboured, got stretched and went out with a whimper. The equaliser gave them a lift. They picked up their tempo in the second half.

"Leicester are a very good side and if they don't go up this season, I'd say they're certainties to go up next season, with the squad they've got."

While disappointed, Jewell said it was important to keep things in perspective, adding: "It wasn't so long ago we'd have been pleased to have a comfortable mid-table game.

"Three months ago when we couldn't win a game, mid-table was looking far away. We were in a relegation fight.

"We've clawed our way out of that and made progress, taking 28 points from 15 games."