Two points in two games have left Birmingham City agonizingly close to confirming a top six finish, with just two games to go away to Brighton and at home to Reading in the last game of the season. Blues were given a scare at the weekend in a game where a win would have seen them all but seal a play-off place.
In the battle of the BCFCs it was relegation threatened Bristol who took the lead with Stephen Pearson beating Colin Doyle, in goal after Boaz Myhill picked up an injury in the warm up. Bristol doubled their advantage soon after, this time Jon Stead scoring a peach of a goal to give the visitors an almighty boost in their quest for survival, and to send shockwaves throughout the Birmingham side reminding them that in this league, no game is easy.
Just before half time Marlon King halved the deficit, thanks to a deflection, and Blues went in at the break with work still to do. The second half saw Blues finally get the equaliser they had been searching for; defender Peter Ramage and player of the season contender Chris Burke worked together on the right hand side before Burke sent a low ball into the box which Nikola Zigic, just yards out, duly slotted home.
Blues only have themselves to blame for letting vital points slip at an all-important home fixture, in which miss placed passes were unfortunately all too common throughout the ninety minutes, culminating in Blues being the masters of their own downfall.
Tonight’s midweek fixtures presented Blues with another opportunity to cement their play-off place but a lacklustre start from the away side meant that it was a very nervous forty-five minutes, especially with the news that Cardiff were 1-0 ahead and, as it stood, on level points with Blues.
Ipswich caused problems for the Blues back line and Colin Doyle had to be called upon several times to prevent the tractor boys from taking the lead. Blues were then hit with another injury blow, with Captain Steven Caldwell having to go off with ten minutes left of the first half.
Just before half time Blues took the lead against the run of play, with a goal that was equally well constructed as it was well taken, with that man Chris Burke finishing a move that saw Peter Ramage, Marlon King and Andros Townsend all involved. It was a perfect time to score a goal.
Blues began the second half with impetus, looking bright on the counter attack with Ipswich, mid table and with nothing to play for, not as committed to the cause as their opponents. But Ipswich pressed on to enjoy heavy spells of the game, with Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas causing countless problems and keeping Doyle on his toes.
And the latter equalised for his side with 75 minutes on the clock, sending his low effort past Doyle and piling pressure on Blues who up until that point were fifteen minutes away from sealing a place in the play-offs.
The game continued to be an end of end affair, with Blues coming agonizingly close late on with Zigic’s shot being cleared off the line. Ipswich piled on the pressure but the away side held on, all but confirming a play-off place after tonight’s result, but wins for Cardiff and Blackpool mean Blues are clinging onto fourth place by a single point.
Showing posts with label Marlon King. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marlon King. Show all posts
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
A Fruitful Easter
Taking four points out of a maximum of six over Easter weekend sees Birmingham in a healthy position, but you can’t help but think it could have been more had they just managed to hold onto the lead at West Ham yesterday evening.
Saturday saw Crystal Palace visit St. Andrew’s and become the next victims of Chris Hughton’s terrific attacking side. After a disjointed start the home side finally got a hold on the game and it took them just twenty-one minutes to break the deadlock. Picking up the ball outside the area, Chris Burke cut inside and produced a fine shot that curled into the net. The front runner for player of the season also has a handful of goal of the season contenders too, after adding this fine effort against Palace to his tally of impressive long range goals.
Just over a minute from the restart and Blues were two goals to the good; Burke was involved again, this time provider for Keith Fahey whose superb looping shot left Julian Speroni helpless as the ball smacked the post before crashing into the back of the net. On fire Blues looked to be going on to score more, with the Palace defence unable to cope with the attacking display being put on by the St. Andrew’s outfit.
And there wasn’t long to wait before Blues found the back of the net again as just ten minutes after Fahey’s goal they were at it again; this time David Murphy the scorer, who found the back of the net for the third time in as many games to put his side three goals to the good.
Palace then scored an impressive goal of their own just before the break, with Owen Garvan reducing the deficit for the Eagles just before the half time whistle was blown.
After what was arguably the best first half performance we have witnessed from Blues this season, the second half started with the visitors having the upper hand, with Blues taking their foot off the gas momentarily with an important game away to West Ham on Monday in mind.
Jordon Mutch came close to putting the Blues out of sight when his free kick was chested over the bar by Speroni, but the score stayed at 3-1 for the third game in a row and put a nice cushion between Blues and the play-off contenders below them.
No time to rest as Blues headed to the Boleyn Ground for an all-important game against West Ham, in which the home side realistically needed to win if they were to keep up their push for automatic promotion. As such it was the Hammers who began the game with impetus, leaving the visitors no choice but to defend for their lives, barely able to get out their own half in the opening stages of the game.
Yet it was Blues who took a surprise lead just before the half hour mark. After coping resiliently with the Hammers pressure, the visitors mounted an attack with culminated in a fine long range effort to add to their increasing tally of impressive goals. Jordon Mutch found the ball at his feet 25 yards out and managed to fire the ball past Robert Green who didn’t even move.
A shock to the system for the home side and a real boost for Blues who have been so clinical of late. Just three minutes later, Marlon King found himself one on one with Green and doubled Blues’ advantage, sending the Blues players wild and the travelling Bluenoses at the other end of the pitch into delirium.
There was time for West Ham to get back into the game though, with Ricardo Vaz Te scoring a header from a corner just before half time. But just as they did in their last game away from St. Andrew’s, Blues responded just moments later by increasing their goal cushion once again; as Chris Burke’s scuffed shot from a corner managed to find its way into the back of the net to send Blues in at half time with a 3-1 lead.
The second half pressure from West Ham was expected, and it was only a matter of time before they got back into the game. Carlon Cole, after an impressive second half performance, took advantage of the space given to him inside the area and was able to control and pick his spot before duly slotting past Boaz Myhill.
In search for an equaliser West Ham pulled out all the stops and, agonizingly for Blues, they got their reward on the 89th minute. Goal scorer Burke handled the ball inside the area and Vaz Te stepped up to salvage a point for the Hammers, smashing his penalty home. Deserved for the home side it may be, but Blues should feel disappointed dropping two points so late on in the game after leading for so long. Nevertheless, with results going their way yesterday Blues have an even healthier cushion as they sit pretty in fourth place with just four games to go.
Three points in an all important home fixture against Bristol City on Saturday should all but seal a play-off place depending on results elsewhere, with an away trip to Ipswich following the home fixture, and tough games against Brighton and Reading to follow.
Image: BCFC.com
Saturday saw Crystal Palace visit St. Andrew’s and become the next victims of Chris Hughton’s terrific attacking side. After a disjointed start the home side finally got a hold on the game and it took them just twenty-one minutes to break the deadlock. Picking up the ball outside the area, Chris Burke cut inside and produced a fine shot that curled into the net. The front runner for player of the season also has a handful of goal of the season contenders too, after adding this fine effort against Palace to his tally of impressive long range goals.
Just over a minute from the restart and Blues were two goals to the good; Burke was involved again, this time provider for Keith Fahey whose superb looping shot left Julian Speroni helpless as the ball smacked the post before crashing into the back of the net. On fire Blues looked to be going on to score more, with the Palace defence unable to cope with the attacking display being put on by the St. Andrew’s outfit.
And there wasn’t long to wait before Blues found the back of the net again as just ten minutes after Fahey’s goal they were at it again; this time David Murphy the scorer, who found the back of the net for the third time in as many games to put his side three goals to the good.
Palace then scored an impressive goal of their own just before the break, with Owen Garvan reducing the deficit for the Eagles just before the half time whistle was blown.
After what was arguably the best first half performance we have witnessed from Blues this season, the second half started with the visitors having the upper hand, with Blues taking their foot off the gas momentarily with an important game away to West Ham on Monday in mind.
Jordon Mutch came close to putting the Blues out of sight when his free kick was chested over the bar by Speroni, but the score stayed at 3-1 for the third game in a row and put a nice cushion between Blues and the play-off contenders below them.
No time to rest as Blues headed to the Boleyn Ground for an all-important game against West Ham, in which the home side realistically needed to win if they were to keep up their push for automatic promotion. As such it was the Hammers who began the game with impetus, leaving the visitors no choice but to defend for their lives, barely able to get out their own half in the opening stages of the game.
Yet it was Blues who took a surprise lead just before the half hour mark. After coping resiliently with the Hammers pressure, the visitors mounted an attack with culminated in a fine long range effort to add to their increasing tally of impressive goals. Jordon Mutch found the ball at his feet 25 yards out and managed to fire the ball past Robert Green who didn’t even move.
A shock to the system for the home side and a real boost for Blues who have been so clinical of late. Just three minutes later, Marlon King found himself one on one with Green and doubled Blues’ advantage, sending the Blues players wild and the travelling Bluenoses at the other end of the pitch into delirium.
There was time for West Ham to get back into the game though, with Ricardo Vaz Te scoring a header from a corner just before half time. But just as they did in their last game away from St. Andrew’s, Blues responded just moments later by increasing their goal cushion once again; as Chris Burke’s scuffed shot from a corner managed to find its way into the back of the net to send Blues in at half time with a 3-1 lead.
The second half pressure from West Ham was expected, and it was only a matter of time before they got back into the game. Carlon Cole, after an impressive second half performance, took advantage of the space given to him inside the area and was able to control and pick his spot before duly slotting past Boaz Myhill.
In search for an equaliser West Ham pulled out all the stops and, agonizingly for Blues, they got their reward on the 89th minute. Goal scorer Burke handled the ball inside the area and Vaz Te stepped up to salvage a point for the Hammers, smashing his penalty home. Deserved for the home side it may be, but Blues should feel disappointed dropping two points so late on in the game after leading for so long. Nevertheless, with results going their way yesterday Blues have an even healthier cushion as they sit pretty in fourth place with just four games to go.
Three points in an all important home fixture against Bristol City on Saturday should all but seal a play-off place depending on results elsewhere, with an away trip to Ipswich following the home fixture, and tough games against Brighton and Reading to follow.
Image: BCFC.com
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Back to Back Victories
After a much needed 3-1 win against relegation strugglers Doncaster Rovers on Friday, Birmingham faced a quick turn around and repeated the same result this time away to Burnley, a team who had come off the back of an impressive weekend win themselves, much to the delight of everyone connected with the club as the promotion push took a major boost at such a pivotal point of the season.
The cold conditions didn’t seem to be hampering Blues’ red-hot attacking play, as after just eleven minutes they were in front. Finding himself in space, Marlon King fired the ball into the net to score his sixteenth goal of the season, and set Blues on course for successive away victories.
King could have easily added a second in what was a relatively comfortable half for the visitors, but his reluctancy to shoot meant he took too many touches and Burnley were able to clear the danger before the in-form striker was able to capitalise.
Long range shots from Guirane N’Daw and Jordon Mutch seemed to be the order of the night, yet neither came anywhere near doubling their team’s advantage, much to the frustration of the travelling support who sensed that their team needed that vital second goal; knowing that a Burnley equaliser was on the horizon.
The second half introduction of Junior Stanislas for the home side proved a turning point in the match, with Burnley finally getting more into the game and posing a threat to Boaz Myhill and the so far resilient Birmingham back line.
And Blues had a right to feel threatened; first Charlie Austin, seeing Myhill out of position, tried a long range effort which Curtis Davies managed to get his head to just in time to clear off the line, and Burnley came even closer just moments later with Danny Ings hitting the bar before Austin again came close from the rebound.
Burnley finally got the goal that had been coming through Ings, heading in a routine cross from Ross Wallace. But they didn’t get to celebrate for long, as a minute later Blues had the ball up the other end with King, who fed the ball to Mutch who put Blues ahead again; much to the delight of the Birmingham fans who mimicked their opposition by singing the goal celebration music they had heard just moments earlier.
The cold conditions didn’t seem to be hampering Blues’ red-hot attacking play, as after just eleven minutes they were in front. Finding himself in space, Marlon King fired the ball into the net to score his sixteenth goal of the season, and set Blues on course for successive away victories.
King could have easily added a second in what was a relatively comfortable half for the visitors, but his reluctancy to shoot meant he took too many touches and Burnley were able to clear the danger before the in-form striker was able to capitalise.
Long range shots from Guirane N’Daw and Jordon Mutch seemed to be the order of the night, yet neither came anywhere near doubling their team’s advantage, much to the frustration of the travelling support who sensed that their team needed that vital second goal; knowing that a Burnley equaliser was on the horizon.
The second half introduction of Junior Stanislas for the home side proved a turning point in the match, with Burnley finally getting more into the game and posing a threat to Boaz Myhill and the so far resilient Birmingham back line.
And Blues had a right to feel threatened; first Charlie Austin, seeing Myhill out of position, tried a long range effort which Curtis Davies managed to get his head to just in time to clear off the line, and Burnley came even closer just moments later with Danny Ings hitting the bar before Austin again came close from the rebound.
Burnley finally got the goal that had been coming through Ings, heading in a routine cross from Ross Wallace. But they didn’t get to celebrate for long, as a minute later Blues had the ball up the other end with King, who fed the ball to Mutch who put Blues ahead again; much to the delight of the Birmingham fans who mimicked their opposition by singing the goal celebration music they had heard just moments earlier.
The game was put to bed in the 88th minute when David Murphy sealed the three points from close range. Turf Moor emptied as the Blues fans celebrated another vital three points in their push for promotion. The result keeps them in fourth – three points clear of fifth place, with a home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday before a tough trip to London to face West Ham on Easter Monday in front of the television cameras.
Image: BCFC.com
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Crunch Time
It’s been said before by many a Bluenose and I will reiterate it here for what won’t be the final time I’m sure: what a season it’s been so far. You can take away a lot from a football club. You can take away the money, you can take away the star players, you can even take away some of the fan base, who detach themselves from a club when they become uninterested.
But one thing you can never take away from the fans who remain, the players on the pitch or the manager in the dugout, is passion for the game, and pride for the shirt. This season we’ve seen some ultimately brilliant performances, some sensational goals and passing play and although we’ve hit bad patches, we must remember that every team goes through at least one rough spot a season.
But Blues seem to be getting over the bump in the road to promotion and if last night’s performance is anything to go by, it shows that we can win when the pressure is on us. It might not be perfect, but then it never has been.
A shaky start meant bottom of the league Doncaster found themselves in front, with Frederic Piquionne scoring past Boaz Myhill with just four minutes of the game gone. Not the be underestimated, the determined basement club went in search of a second, but this always leaves the defence open to a counter attack which Blues took full advantage of.
After waking up, the away side Blues began to threaten the Donny backline, with Marlon King hitting the bar before David Murphy equalised from the resulting corner, sending the travelling Blues fans wild and increasing the volume further from that section of the ground.
Taking control, the promotion pushers went in search for a second, and it looked to be coming when King was put through on goal. But taking one touch too many, the striker skipped past Carl Ikeme and looked to have been caught, falling down and claiming a penalty. Yet the referee had other ideas; and booked King for diving – much to the player’s disbelief.
Blues continued their slick attacking play after the break, with Nikola Zigic coming close to putting his side in the lead on more than one occasion but with Ikeme in the Rovers net in good form, it looked as if it would take something a little bit special to beat him for a second time; and when you want a moment of class, there’s no one more willing than Chris Burke to provide it for you.
Some quick interchanges between strike pairing Zigic and King fed the Scot the ball on the edge of the box and, cutting in from the right, he unleashed a perfect curling shot which slotted right past the stretching Ikeme.
But one thing you can never take away from the fans who remain, the players on the pitch or the manager in the dugout, is passion for the game, and pride for the shirt. This season we’ve seen some ultimately brilliant performances, some sensational goals and passing play and although we’ve hit bad patches, we must remember that every team goes through at least one rough spot a season.
But Blues seem to be getting over the bump in the road to promotion and if last night’s performance is anything to go by, it shows that we can win when the pressure is on us. It might not be perfect, but then it never has been.
A shaky start meant bottom of the league Doncaster found themselves in front, with Frederic Piquionne scoring past Boaz Myhill with just four minutes of the game gone. Not the be underestimated, the determined basement club went in search of a second, but this always leaves the defence open to a counter attack which Blues took full advantage of.
After waking up, the away side Blues began to threaten the Donny backline, with Marlon King hitting the bar before David Murphy equalised from the resulting corner, sending the travelling Blues fans wild and increasing the volume further from that section of the ground.
Taking control, the promotion pushers went in search for a second, and it looked to be coming when King was put through on goal. But taking one touch too many, the striker skipped past Carl Ikeme and looked to have been caught, falling down and claiming a penalty. Yet the referee had other ideas; and booked King for diving – much to the player’s disbelief.
Blues continued their slick attacking play after the break, with Nikola Zigic coming close to putting his side in the lead on more than one occasion but with Ikeme in the Rovers net in good form, it looked as if it would take something a little bit special to beat him for a second time; and when you want a moment of class, there’s no one more willing than Chris Burke to provide it for you.
Some quick interchanges between strike pairing Zigic and King fed the Scot the ball on the edge of the box and, cutting in from the right, he unleashed a perfect curling shot which slotted right past the stretching Ikeme.
Blues were hungry for a third, and with the 1,600 travelling Bluenoses in full voice the Doncaster resistance looked to have been well and truly broken, with Blues in complete ascendancy. Burke again tried his luck from range not once but twice and came close both times, and with the minutes to go Murphy’s delightful ball over the top to King saw the striker beat the offside trap and, with no Rovers player tracking his run, he went alone and sweetly struck the ball to slot past Ikeme for the third Blues goal of the night to wrap up all three points and send Blues into fourth place.
With one game in hand over the teams around them, Blues have their fate in their own hands as we enter the final games of the season. But I think we can all agree, whatever happens, we have surpassed all expectations set at the start of what we thought was going to be a season of transition, that has turned into a season filled with triumph. And it’s not over yet.
Image: BCFC.com
Monday, 19 March 2012
Mixed Emotions
After a midweek stumble going down 3-1 at the hands of Leicester, Birmingham got their promotion push back on track with a comfortable and deserved 3-0 home victory against fellow play-off contenders Middlesbrough, who they then leapfrogged into fourth place.
Taking the lead against Leicester midweek through a Wade Elliott penalty, Blues seemed to be along the right lines to gain at least a point from their Midlands rivals. But after having Nikola Zigic’s header hit the bar then Steven Caldwell’s follow-up header being cleared off the line, it seemed to fuel the Leicester side who scored just moments later, with Jermaine Beckford capitalizing on some questionable defending from Blues. Two goals in the second half from Beckford again and then sbustitute Jeffrey Schlupp after more defensive mistakes made sure Blues left the King Power Stadium well and truly dejected, although you’d do well to believe that if you heard the travelling support, who gave their team and manager a tremendous backing throughout.
The midweek loss was just another dampener on Blues’ push for promotion, with their last win coming in February, a response was needed in the home game against Boro, who lost their last game at home to Leeds who played them almost off the park and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
And a response was what the fans got. In a professional performance by all involved, it was Nikola Zigic who got his name on the score sheet early on after connecting with Chris Burke’s cross to send a low header past Jason Steele and into the back of the net.
The away side threatened, but their long-range shots were easily coped with by Boaz Myhill and by the back line; with David Murphy back in the defence in place of the injured Jonathan Spector, a welcome return for the ex-Boro boy who helped his side to a clean sheet.
On top throughout, Blues were almost punished for defensive mistakes again but luckily Joe Bennett’s goal was disallowed for offside. Marlon King punished Boro further; the only man wearing a Blue shirt in the box connected with Chris Burke’s cross to finish from close range, beating several Boro players to the ball.
As the last home game proved – two goals just aren’t enough, and Blues were hungry for more to boost their goal difference up after it took a hit during the week. Keith Fahey, man of the match after a superb attacking and defensive display, put the game to bed on the 60th minute, picking up the ball inside his own half and going on a determined run which culminated in a fantastic goal after a superb solo effort by the Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day.
The result pushed Blues back into the play-off places and in great contention of staying there, with a game in hand on many of those around them.
But the results of the weekend all over the country mattered not, as on Saturday evening an event at White Hart Lane overshadowed football, and united the community of the sport in prayer for Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch and is currently in a serious condition in hospital. A great servant to Blues, Muamba came to England at a young age as a refugee, not knowing how the speak the language, and came through the ranks at Arsenal before going on loan and then signing for Birmingham. His commitment, lovable personality and his battling nature meant he soon became a crowd favourite at Blues, helping them to promotion in 2007 before making his Premier League debut the follow season. His final performance for Blues saw him score a long-awaited first goal at St. Andrew's - much to the delight of the player himself and the fans in the stands.
But then he's not known for goalscoring. His style of play is to win the ball and to move play along; a real battling midfielder who loves to get stuck in.
Muamba then then moved to Bolton, where he has been since 2008, and cemented a regular place in the team and continued his strong midfield performances.
It’s always the way that the worst things always happen to the great people, and I speak for everyone when I wish Muamba a speedy recovery. It has taken an event as tragic as this to unite football fans; but let’s all pray for Muamba.
Taking the lead against Leicester midweek through a Wade Elliott penalty, Blues seemed to be along the right lines to gain at least a point from their Midlands rivals. But after having Nikola Zigic’s header hit the bar then Steven Caldwell’s follow-up header being cleared off the line, it seemed to fuel the Leicester side who scored just moments later, with Jermaine Beckford capitalizing on some questionable defending from Blues. Two goals in the second half from Beckford again and then sbustitute Jeffrey Schlupp after more defensive mistakes made sure Blues left the King Power Stadium well and truly dejected, although you’d do well to believe that if you heard the travelling support, who gave their team and manager a tremendous backing throughout.
The midweek loss was just another dampener on Blues’ push for promotion, with their last win coming in February, a response was needed in the home game against Boro, who lost their last game at home to Leeds who played them almost off the park and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
And a response was what the fans got. In a professional performance by all involved, it was Nikola Zigic who got his name on the score sheet early on after connecting with Chris Burke’s cross to send a low header past Jason Steele and into the back of the net.
The away side threatened, but their long-range shots were easily coped with by Boaz Myhill and by the back line; with David Murphy back in the defence in place of the injured Jonathan Spector, a welcome return for the ex-Boro boy who helped his side to a clean sheet.
On top throughout, Blues were almost punished for defensive mistakes again but luckily Joe Bennett’s goal was disallowed for offside. Marlon King punished Boro further; the only man wearing a Blue shirt in the box connected with Chris Burke’s cross to finish from close range, beating several Boro players to the ball.
As the last home game proved – two goals just aren’t enough, and Blues were hungry for more to boost their goal difference up after it took a hit during the week. Keith Fahey, man of the match after a superb attacking and defensive display, put the game to bed on the 60th minute, picking up the ball inside his own half and going on a determined run which culminated in a fantastic goal after a superb solo effort by the Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day.
The result pushed Blues back into the play-off places and in great contention of staying there, with a game in hand on many of those around them.
But the results of the weekend all over the country mattered not, as on Saturday evening an event at White Hart Lane overshadowed football, and united the community of the sport in prayer for Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch and is currently in a serious condition in hospital. A great servant to Blues, Muamba came to England at a young age as a refugee, not knowing how the speak the language, and came through the ranks at Arsenal before going on loan and then signing for Birmingham. His commitment, lovable personality and his battling nature meant he soon became a crowd favourite at Blues, helping them to promotion in 2007 before making his Premier League debut the follow season. His final performance for Blues saw him score a long-awaited first goal at St. Andrew's - much to the delight of the player himself and the fans in the stands.
But then he's not known for goalscoring. His style of play is to win the ball and to move play along; a real battling midfielder who loves to get stuck in.
Muamba then then moved to Bolton, where he has been since 2008, and cemented a regular place in the team and continued his strong midfield performances.
It’s always the way that the worst things always happen to the great people, and I speak for everyone when I wish Muamba a speedy recovery. It has taken an event as tragic as this to unite football fans; but let’s all pray for Muamba.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Tired and Weary
The busy season seems to be catching up with Birmingham City, who managed to pick up just a point on their travels relegation strugglers Coventry City yesterday afternoon. Although the promotion chasing side held their nerve and salvaged a point after the Sky Blues went ahead in the 70th minute, it was clear to the travelling 5,700 Blues fans that their team looked tired and most definitely weary.
It was a game of limited clear cut chances although both sides had their fair share of attacks. Andros Townsend proved to be the liveliest player in a royal blue shirt once again, causing trouble throughout the game for the Coventry defence with his threatening runs down the left wing.
But the rest of the team seemed to be feeling the effects of a season which has seen them compete in three cup competitions as well as try to keep up their promotion chase in the league. Marlon King and Erik Huseklepp received little joy up front, however just after the half hour mark the latter shot just wide after a terrific move from the away side.
The relegation battlers Coventry were showing their intent at the other end of the pitch too, with Carl Baker coming close on a couple of occasions, and Steven Caldwell having to quickly clear one of Baker’s shots which looked to be heading in.
The second half saw a brighter Birmingham performance. Chris Burke had a great chance to put his side ahead but his shot was saved by Joe Murphy. But whilst Blues were on top, Coventry broke away and ex-Birmingham player Gary McSheffrey surprisingly scored a headed goal on the 70th minute. Unmarked, the Coventry born man cushioned his header over Boaz Myhill’s reach and expertly into the top corner of the net.
But while Coventry fans were still celebrating, Blues went up the other end and a long throw from on-loan Peter Ramage evaded the attention of everyone in the area bar King, who connected delightfully mid-flight to put his side back on level terms.
Although Blues had late chances via a string of set pieces, they couldn’t find the winner they desperately wanted and needed, and the game ended on a sour note with Jordon Mutch receiving a straight red for an elbow on Alex Nimely on the 89th minute. The substitute had been on the pitch less than twenty minutes before he was given his marching orders.
Nikola Zigic came close to grabbing a late winner moments from time when, deep into the seven minutes of added on time, a low Burke cross came into the box but the towering striker was unable to get a touch on it which would surely have sealed all three points for the Blues.
Blues have another away fixture next up on Tuesday against Leicester. Now out of the play-off places, Blues will have to pick up nothing less than a point at the King Power stadium if they want to stay in contention, with the teams around them picking up form as we go into the crucial stage of the season.
It was a game of limited clear cut chances although both sides had their fair share of attacks. Andros Townsend proved to be the liveliest player in a royal blue shirt once again, causing trouble throughout the game for the Coventry defence with his threatening runs down the left wing.
But the rest of the team seemed to be feeling the effects of a season which has seen them compete in three cup competitions as well as try to keep up their promotion chase in the league. Marlon King and Erik Huseklepp received little joy up front, however just after the half hour mark the latter shot just wide after a terrific move from the away side.
The relegation battlers Coventry were showing their intent at the other end of the pitch too, with Carl Baker coming close on a couple of occasions, and Steven Caldwell having to quickly clear one of Baker’s shots which looked to be heading in.
The second half saw a brighter Birmingham performance. Chris Burke had a great chance to put his side ahead but his shot was saved by Joe Murphy. But whilst Blues were on top, Coventry broke away and ex-Birmingham player Gary McSheffrey surprisingly scored a headed goal on the 70th minute. Unmarked, the Coventry born man cushioned his header over Boaz Myhill’s reach and expertly into the top corner of the net.
But while Coventry fans were still celebrating, Blues went up the other end and a long throw from on-loan Peter Ramage evaded the attention of everyone in the area bar King, who connected delightfully mid-flight to put his side back on level terms.
Although Blues had late chances via a string of set pieces, they couldn’t find the winner they desperately wanted and needed, and the game ended on a sour note with Jordon Mutch receiving a straight red for an elbow on Alex Nimely on the 89th minute. The substitute had been on the pitch less than twenty minutes before he was given his marching orders.
Nikola Zigic came close to grabbing a late winner moments from time when, deep into the seven minutes of added on time, a low Burke cross came into the box but the towering striker was unable to get a touch on it which would surely have sealed all three points for the Blues.
Blues have another away fixture next up on Tuesday against Leicester. Now out of the play-off places, Blues will have to pick up nothing less than a point at the King Power stadium if they want to stay in contention, with the teams around them picking up form as we go into the crucial stage of the season.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Another Disappointing Result
After seemingly wrapping up the three points after 57 minutes, Blues were the masters of their own downfall as they conceded two goals in quick succession to only pick up a point against bottom half of the table side Derby County. Their second home game in as many weeks had another miserable outcome, which felt more like a loss than a draw, and the dejection on the players’ faces at the full time whistle showed it all.
Acquiring the services of Peter Ramage and Caleb Folan – as well as Chris Hughton’s son Cian – before the transfer embargo was ordered after failing to get our accounts in on time, meant that the squad was now much stronger and ready to cope with the last leg of the push for promotion and to maintain a play-off place.
The disappointment of last week’s unfortunate defeat seemed to have been brushed under the carpet by the players as they dominated the opening stages of the game, with Derby rarely getting a sniff at goal and Boaz Myhill seemingly unemployed for the first half. And with less than twenty minutes played, Blues took a deserved lead. Jordon Mutch’s short corner was played to Andros Townsend who cut inside the oncoming Rams defender and shot at goal, with the deflection falling straight to Erik Huseklepp who had the task of easily slotting home to score his first goal in a royal blue shirt.
Creator of the goal Townsend impressed all afternoon, and was instrumental on the wing; skipping past every player he took on with ease and creating havoc for the Derby defence. And the Spurs loanee almost got his first goal for his new side too, but he saw his shot was cleared off the line just in time to prevent Blues from doubling their advantage.
But the home side didn’t have to wait long for that second goal. It was Townsend again the creator, who fed the ball into the path of Marlon King, and the forward added to his tally for the season with a smart finish with just over half an hour left to play.
Looking to be in cruise control, Blues seemed comfortable to go on and finish the game off. But two Derby goals in the space of five minutes, first from Steven Davies and then Theo Robinson, completely shell-shocked them, and they couldn’t muster a recovery, despite an onslaught of Frank Fielding’s goal for the last five minutes of the game. Credit must be given to Derby for an assured come-back, but Blues were largely at fault, especially for the second goal, for switching off at the back.
A controversial moment in the match also saw Nikola Zigic booked for an apparent dive in the penalty area, but replays show that he was caught directly on the knee, and a penalty should have been awarded.
Two disappointing results have left Blues still in the play-offs places – but only just. Concentration now switches to an all-important FA Cup replay against now manager-less Chelsea after their sacking of Andre Villas-Boas yesterday. A home advantage and high confidence will put Blues in the driving seat, but Chelsea may be looking to bounce back from a poor run of results that has left them fifth in the league and outside the Champions League place.
Acquiring the services of Peter Ramage and Caleb Folan – as well as Chris Hughton’s son Cian – before the transfer embargo was ordered after failing to get our accounts in on time, meant that the squad was now much stronger and ready to cope with the last leg of the push for promotion and to maintain a play-off place.
The disappointment of last week’s unfortunate defeat seemed to have been brushed under the carpet by the players as they dominated the opening stages of the game, with Derby rarely getting a sniff at goal and Boaz Myhill seemingly unemployed for the first half. And with less than twenty minutes played, Blues took a deserved lead. Jordon Mutch’s short corner was played to Andros Townsend who cut inside the oncoming Rams defender and shot at goal, with the deflection falling straight to Erik Huseklepp who had the task of easily slotting home to score his first goal in a royal blue shirt.
Creator of the goal Townsend impressed all afternoon, and was instrumental on the wing; skipping past every player he took on with ease and creating havoc for the Derby defence. And the Spurs loanee almost got his first goal for his new side too, but he saw his shot was cleared off the line just in time to prevent Blues from doubling their advantage.
But the home side didn’t have to wait long for that second goal. It was Townsend again the creator, who fed the ball into the path of Marlon King, and the forward added to his tally for the season with a smart finish with just over half an hour left to play.
Looking to be in cruise control, Blues seemed comfortable to go on and finish the game off. But two Derby goals in the space of five minutes, first from Steven Davies and then Theo Robinson, completely shell-shocked them, and they couldn’t muster a recovery, despite an onslaught of Frank Fielding’s goal for the last five minutes of the game. Credit must be given to Derby for an assured come-back, but Blues were largely at fault, especially for the second goal, for switching off at the back.
A controversial moment in the match also saw Nikola Zigic booked for an apparent dive in the penalty area, but replays show that he was caught directly on the knee, and a penalty should have been awarded.
Two disappointing results have left Blues still in the play-offs places – but only just. Concentration now switches to an all-important FA Cup replay against now manager-less Chelsea after their sacking of Andre Villas-Boas yesterday. A home advantage and high confidence will put Blues in the driving seat, but Chelsea may be looking to bounce back from a poor run of results that has left them fifth in the league and outside the Champions League place.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly... and the three points!
After a series of defeats a much-welcomed home game, although needed, put pressure upon a team who really needed to start picking up points again. As it usually is in these type of ‘must win’ situations, the game grinded out a result rather than producing a performance full of goals and free-flowing football. But with that being said, points on the board are all that matter and that’s exactly what Blues ended up with, although in true Birmingham style; they left it late.
It was all about getting the right result and to do that we needed goals. Of late we’ve not been hitting the back of the net, and although chances have been created the final touch has been missing. But we were again left ruing our missed chances when a quick counter attack saw Doncaster take the lead, further frustrating Chris Hughton and the fans after we had more than enough chances to go ahead before Marc-Antoine Fortune put Rovers in front.
Yet, credit where it is most certainly due, Blues kept on at it and the equalising goal was testament to their dogged attitude and never say die spirit. The chasing down and harrying of Carl Ikeme and Habib Beye by Chris Burke and Marlon King allowed the former to dispossess the on-loan Villa man, passing straight to King who duly slotted home.
Advantage Blues, and after pushing for a winner they finally reaped the rewards of their hard work just two minutes from time. A superb move saw Burke again set up King who coolly slid the ball through Ikeme’s legs as St. Andrews breathed a sigh of relief and picked up three points which Blues’ performances deserved. The good, the bad, the ugly; the only way Blues know how.
And finally...
The Good
Two goals from a striker, two assists by Chris Burke and a glimpse of that fighting spirit we’ve been missing for a couple of games. Guirane N’Daw especially impressed on his first league start; a real fighting midfielder who doesn’t take any flack.
The Bad
We really need to learn to take our opportunities. Unlike last season, we are now seeing some brilliant build up play – thanks to more attacking-minded wingers – but we just don’t seem to know how to finish the chances. Target practice is a must!
The Ugly
People booing one of our own players. Or player, should I say. I never agree with booing, no matter how bad they as a team or as individuals have played. So people booing Keith Fahey when he came on as a substitute made me disappointed of a section of our fans. I like Fahey. He’s not world class but I’ll defend him because I honestly think he is a good player; he’s neat, he’s tidy and he’ll even get stuck in. Granted you don’t have to get behind every single player but booing someone when they’ve not even kicked a ball is definitely uncalled for and took a bit of a shine off what was otherwise a positive second half. You support the whole team; don’t make someone an exception just because you don’t think he’s not as good as the rest. There’s a reason why first McLeish and now Hughton put him in the starting eleven more often than not.
It was all about getting the right result and to do that we needed goals. Of late we’ve not been hitting the back of the net, and although chances have been created the final touch has been missing. But we were again left ruing our missed chances when a quick counter attack saw Doncaster take the lead, further frustrating Chris Hughton and the fans after we had more than enough chances to go ahead before Marc-Antoine Fortune put Rovers in front.
Yet, credit where it is most certainly due, Blues kept on at it and the equalising goal was testament to their dogged attitude and never say die spirit. The chasing down and harrying of Carl Ikeme and Habib Beye by Chris Burke and Marlon King allowed the former to dispossess the on-loan Villa man, passing straight to King who duly slotted home.
Advantage Blues, and after pushing for a winner they finally reaped the rewards of their hard work just two minutes from time. A superb move saw Burke again set up King who coolly slid the ball through Ikeme’s legs as St. Andrews breathed a sigh of relief and picked up three points which Blues’ performances deserved. The good, the bad, the ugly; the only way Blues know how.
And finally...
The Good
Two goals from a striker, two assists by Chris Burke and a glimpse of that fighting spirit we’ve been missing for a couple of games. Guirane N’Daw especially impressed on his first league start; a real fighting midfielder who doesn’t take any flack.
The Bad
We really need to learn to take our opportunities. Unlike last season, we are now seeing some brilliant build up play – thanks to more attacking-minded wingers – but we just don’t seem to know how to finish the chances. Target practice is a must!
The Ugly
People booing one of our own players. Or player, should I say. I never agree with booing, no matter how bad they as a team or as individuals have played. So people booing Keith Fahey when he came on as a substitute made me disappointed of a section of our fans. I like Fahey. He’s not world class but I’ll defend him because I honestly think he is a good player; he’s neat, he’s tidy and he’ll even get stuck in. Granted you don’t have to get behind every single player but booing someone when they’ve not even kicked a ball is definitely uncalled for and took a bit of a shine off what was otherwise a positive second half. You support the whole team; don’t make someone an exception just because you don’t think he’s not as good as the rest. There’s a reason why first McLeish and now Hughton put him in the starting eleven more often than not.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Another Point On The Board
It was only last season that these two teams met at football’s top table, and Birmingham picked up a maximum of 6/6 Premier League points – their victory at Bloomfield Road being one of their only away wins of the 2010/11 season. After both suffering relegation on the last day of the season, The Blues and The Seasiders have a new outlook, new players and a new target, of which they both share, and that is promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
Although Chris Hughton employed a 4-5-1 formation with Marlon King the lone striker, in order to combat Blackpool’s attacking style of play, it still made for an entertaining and end to end game – as it so often is when you play against Ian Holloway’s side. And it was the away team with the majority of the early chances, with Wade Elliott and Marlon King coming close. Blackpool responded, but it was Blues who drew first blood just before the half hour mark. Elliott’s inch perfect through ball found King, who kept his composure to slot home his fifth goal in a Blues shirt. The travelling contingent of 2,000+ fans went wild on the West Coast, but their celebrations were cut short when just two minutes later the home side were back in the game thanks to Stephen Crainey when at the same time, ironically, Blues fans were singing about winning away from home…
Still in full voice, the Blues fans kept spirits up on a blisteringly cold day in Blackpool, however the home side were doing all they could to really rain on Blues' parade; and a moment of magic in the 57th minute really did dampen the Birmingham spirits. Neal Eardley collected the ball on the edge of the area, picked his spot, and fired a perfectly placed shot home to send the Blackpool fans crazy.
The goal felt like a sucker punch to the Blues side and heads went down, but the introduction of Nikola Zigic almost saw an equaliser for Blues. The Serbian met Keith Fahey’s cross but headed agonisingly wide when it seemed easier to score, which has been the story of the past few games for Blues. Nevertheless, Hughton’s persistent side kept plugging away and finally got their reward in the 87th minute. The ball fell to Zigic a few yards from goal and this time the striker made no mistake as he first controlled and then shot past Matt Gilks in the Blackpool net to secure a point for his side and send the fans – and the team – home happy.
Full Time: Blackpool 2-2 BLUES
Goal Scorers: King (29) Crainey (31) Eardley (57) Zigic (87)
Star Man: I honestly can't call this one. It was a really even game and so not many players stood out.
Next Up: Braga away - Europa Leauge
Although Chris Hughton employed a 4-5-1 formation with Marlon King the lone striker, in order to combat Blackpool’s attacking style of play, it still made for an entertaining and end to end game – as it so often is when you play against Ian Holloway’s side. And it was the away team with the majority of the early chances, with Wade Elliott and Marlon King coming close. Blackpool responded, but it was Blues who drew first blood just before the half hour mark. Elliott’s inch perfect through ball found King, who kept his composure to slot home his fifth goal in a Blues shirt. The travelling contingent of 2,000+ fans went wild on the West Coast, but their celebrations were cut short when just two minutes later the home side were back in the game thanks to Stephen Crainey when at the same time, ironically, Blues fans were singing about winning away from home…
Still in full voice, the Blues fans kept spirits up on a blisteringly cold day in Blackpool, however the home side were doing all they could to really rain on Blues' parade; and a moment of magic in the 57th minute really did dampen the Birmingham spirits. Neal Eardley collected the ball on the edge of the area, picked his spot, and fired a perfectly placed shot home to send the Blackpool fans crazy.
The goal felt like a sucker punch to the Blues side and heads went down, but the introduction of Nikola Zigic almost saw an equaliser for Blues. The Serbian met Keith Fahey’s cross but headed agonisingly wide when it seemed easier to score, which has been the story of the past few games for Blues. Nevertheless, Hughton’s persistent side kept plugging away and finally got their reward in the 87th minute. The ball fell to Zigic a few yards from goal and this time the striker made no mistake as he first controlled and then shot past Matt Gilks in the Blackpool net to secure a point for his side and send the fans – and the team – home happy.
Full Time: Blackpool 2-2 BLUES
Goal Scorers: King (29) Crainey (31) Eardley (57) Zigic (87)
Star Man: I honestly can't call this one. It was a really even game and so not many players stood out.
Next Up: Braga away - Europa Leauge
Monday, 21 November 2011
Missed Chances
Of all the clichés used in football, “it was a game of two halves” has to be the most over-used, yet the most apt to describe certain games. That brings me onto Birmingham City v Peterborough United. Back to league action after a two week international break both sides, whom both sit in the top half of the table, were looking to get some points on the board at the start of what is a heavy winter fixture list.
It was the home side who looked the more astute and attacking outfit, and thanks to the international break Blues seemed fresh and came out the blocks straight away. It took just three minutes for them to calve out their first chance. David Murphy, back in the team after an injury to Liam Ridgewell, put in a cross which met Jean Beausejour’s head but the man who had been sent home from international duty after excessive drinking was unable to guide the ball home.
Blues continued to pose a real attacking threat and the crowd became louder as their team began to press and press; putting a string of passes together and creating space for themselves as they kept possession easily and warded off any oncoming counter-attacks from the Posh. The front two of Marlon King and Chris Wood were as lively as ever, and the former was denied several chances to put him team ahead. However Blues’, and Marlon’s, persistence prevailed in the 22nd minute of the game. Chris Burke began the move with a pass to Beausejour, and the Chilean found team mate Murphy who, in space, was able to cross the ball low and hard into the box where King was waiting to side foot the ball home. It gave Blues a lead they deserved, and they looked to be adding to it sooner rather than later with Burke, Beausejour and Murphy all causing considerable problems for the Peterborough back line.
There was no let-up after half time as Blues again hit the ground running and picked up where they left off: in the ascendency. Murphy again was causing problems for Posh and almost doubled Blues’ advantage, but he managed to head Burke’s cross just wide when it would have been easier to score. And later he came to rue this missed chance. Peterborough, after several substitutions by manager Darren Ferguson, began to step up a gear and get into the game; and with half an hour left to play the got an undeserved goal courtesy of a stunning free kick scored by Grant McCann.
With time to get back into the game Blues still pressed, but the chances they created just could not find the back of the net and they were left to rue their missed chances in the first half; where they should, and could, have been at least 3-0 to the good.
The game ended with a whimper, unable to find a winner and unable to secure another three points. Nevertheless, it was an overall encouraging display and the statement of intent made by Chris Hughton’s side is what we’ve been calling for: attacking play at every opportunity. If we carry on creating chances and playing this way, the goals – and the points – will keep on coming. With the fixtures coming thick and fast there's no let up for Blues; who entertain Burnley at St. Andrews tomorrow. Fresh from a 2-1 loss against Leeds, the Lancashire outfit will be looking to ruin Blues' unbeaten home record, where as Blues will be hoping to maintain their near-perfect home form, where they have only conceded two league goals all season.
Full Time: BLUES 1-1 Peterborough United
Goal Scorers: King (22) McCann (61)
Star Man: David Murphy. A rare league start for Murphy who, in most fans' opinions, should be starting ahead of Liam Ridgewell. I agree. His none-stop running and the attacking threat he poses, as well as his defending, means Hughton will have a tough decision to make when Ridgewell returns.
Next Up: Burnley at home - Championship
It was the home side who looked the more astute and attacking outfit, and thanks to the international break Blues seemed fresh and came out the blocks straight away. It took just three minutes for them to calve out their first chance. David Murphy, back in the team after an injury to Liam Ridgewell, put in a cross which met Jean Beausejour’s head but the man who had been sent home from international duty after excessive drinking was unable to guide the ball home.
Blues continued to pose a real attacking threat and the crowd became louder as their team began to press and press; putting a string of passes together and creating space for themselves as they kept possession easily and warded off any oncoming counter-attacks from the Posh. The front two of Marlon King and Chris Wood were as lively as ever, and the former was denied several chances to put him team ahead. However Blues’, and Marlon’s, persistence prevailed in the 22nd minute of the game. Chris Burke began the move with a pass to Beausejour, and the Chilean found team mate Murphy who, in space, was able to cross the ball low and hard into the box where King was waiting to side foot the ball home. It gave Blues a lead they deserved, and they looked to be adding to it sooner rather than later with Burke, Beausejour and Murphy all causing considerable problems for the Peterborough back line.
There was no let-up after half time as Blues again hit the ground running and picked up where they left off: in the ascendency. Murphy again was causing problems for Posh and almost doubled Blues’ advantage, but he managed to head Burke’s cross just wide when it would have been easier to score. And later he came to rue this missed chance. Peterborough, after several substitutions by manager Darren Ferguson, began to step up a gear and get into the game; and with half an hour left to play the got an undeserved goal courtesy of a stunning free kick scored by Grant McCann.
With time to get back into the game Blues still pressed, but the chances they created just could not find the back of the net and they were left to rue their missed chances in the first half; where they should, and could, have been at least 3-0 to the good.
The game ended with a whimper, unable to find a winner and unable to secure another three points. Nevertheless, it was an overall encouraging display and the statement of intent made by Chris Hughton’s side is what we’ve been calling for: attacking play at every opportunity. If we carry on creating chances and playing this way, the goals – and the points – will keep on coming. With the fixtures coming thick and fast there's no let up for Blues; who entertain Burnley at St. Andrews tomorrow. Fresh from a 2-1 loss against Leeds, the Lancashire outfit will be looking to ruin Blues' unbeaten home record, where as Blues will be hoping to maintain their near-perfect home form, where they have only conceded two league goals all season.
Full Time: BLUES 1-1 Peterborough United
Goal Scorers: King (22) McCann (61)
Star Man: David Murphy. A rare league start for Murphy who, in most fans' opinions, should be starting ahead of Liam Ridgewell. I agree. His none-stop running and the attacking threat he poses, as well as his defending, means Hughton will have a tough decision to make when Ridgewell returns.
Next Up: Burnley at home - Championship
Friday, 4 November 2011
The Magic Of Europe
I guess they call it a game of two halves. Seemingly down and out after going behind by two goals to nil in the first half; Blues’ character and determination ensured they hit the ground running in the second half and pulled off another historic comeback against Club Brugge KV.
Under the kosh for the majority of the first half, Blues lacked creativity and this allowed Brugge to play their fast-paced passing game. In fact, the first time any real noise could be heard from the Birmingham fans was in the 23rd minute of the match; which saw both sets of fans unite once again in a fitting tribute to Francois Sterchele; Brugge’s up and coming star who sadly passed away a few years previous.
No defence splitting passes nor Brazil-esque possession stats were being created by Birmingham last night and as the game wore on it was clear that Brugge were getting closer and closer to their opening goal, which they finally found just five minutes before half time. A corner was swung into the box and Thomas Meunier was given enough time to control the ball with his chest and let it drop before he volleyed it past Colin Doyle in the Blues net. Lackluster defending and failure to close the Brugge midfielder down meant Blues were chasing the game. And it was about to become even more of an uphill struggle.
Blues’ response to the opening goal was to go all-out attack. Unfortunately, this meant they left themselves open at the back, and a quick counter attack by Brugge saw Vadis Odjidja slide the ball into the path of Joseph Akpala – scorer of Brugges’ goal in the reverse fixture in Belgium – who slotted the ball home even though he looked to be offside.
Blues’ European dreams seemed to be falling on deaf ears, but the second forty-five produced an incredible fight back by Chris Hughton’s men. Adam Rooney, pairing Nikola Zigic up front, had an early chance to get his team back into the game early on and the Blues attacking threat took off at a canter from there on out. As the crowd sensed a Blues comeback, the team grew in confidence; with Jean Beausejour and David Murphy working tirelessly down the left wing and the former getting the goal that brought Blues back into the game. Wade Elliott’s cross found Zigic who controlled the ball but failed to get a shot off after a block from ex-Baggie Ryan Donk, and to Blues’ luck the ball fell straight to Beausejour who sweetly struck the ball home to produce an emphatic roar from the crowd. Game on.
Brugge, knocked a little in confidence by the early second half goal, were now on the back foot and it was Birmingham who were taking charge of proceedings. Spurred on by the deafening crowd, Blues surged forward at every opportunity, and free kicks from Elliott and Murphy almost produced equalising goals but fell just short of the target.
Hughton made a triple substitution, bringing on Chris Burke, Marlon King and Chris Wood; which turned out to be inspiring and influential changes. Both teams were now attacking with full force but defending in numbers, and another Blues chance came from an unlikely source. Guirane N’Daw found the ball at his feet 30 yards out and, being urged to shoot by the St. Andrews faithful, unleashed a fierce shot which looked to be going in had it not been for a brilliant fingertip save from Vladan Kujovic.
This fired up the fans in the stand further who sensed an equalizer coming, and they only had to wait a few minutes for the inevitable. Beausejour made a run into the box and was brought down in a seemingly soft challenge. Nevertheless, the referee made no mistake in pointing firmly to the spot: a deafening cheer went up, and Marlon King confidently picked the ball up and walked over to the penalty spot. After discussions between the Brugge players and the referee, King calmly stepped up to take the penalty and expertly slotted home to send the Blues fans into delirium once again. With Brugge shaken, Blues pressed on in search of a winner but even with the attacking threat of Burke and the firepower of Wood they couldn’t manage to find another goal. Nevertheless, coming back from 2-0 down to draw and pick up another valuable point in Europe feels like a win in what was another special night at St. Andrews.
With two games left to play Blues now find themselves on equal points (7) with both Brugge and Braga, but second in the table because of Uefa’s head to head ruling. With a tough test at Braga left to play Blues will have to hope to pick up at least a point before heading into the last game, a home fixture against Maribor, while hoping for the best result possible out of the other final group H game; Brugge v Braga.
But Chris Hughton will surely be able to inspire his team in the next two fixtures, and after picking up a much-deserved October Manager of the Month award, both him and his players will be going into both games full on confidence, and full of hope that they can pull off another two remarkable results to secure a couple more games of European football at least.
Full Time: BLUES 2-2 Club Brugge KV
Goal Scorers: Meunier (39) Akpala (44) Beausejour (55) King (74)
Star Man: Jean Beausejour for his countless runs down the left hand side, his work to win freekicks (no matter how easily he seemed to go down!) his crosses and most importantly his goal which sparked the Blues comeback
Next Up: Reading away - Championship
Under the kosh for the majority of the first half, Blues lacked creativity and this allowed Brugge to play their fast-paced passing game. In fact, the first time any real noise could be heard from the Birmingham fans was in the 23rd minute of the match; which saw both sets of fans unite once again in a fitting tribute to Francois Sterchele; Brugge’s up and coming star who sadly passed away a few years previous.
No defence splitting passes nor Brazil-esque possession stats were being created by Birmingham last night and as the game wore on it was clear that Brugge were getting closer and closer to their opening goal, which they finally found just five minutes before half time. A corner was swung into the box and Thomas Meunier was given enough time to control the ball with his chest and let it drop before he volleyed it past Colin Doyle in the Blues net. Lackluster defending and failure to close the Brugge midfielder down meant Blues were chasing the game. And it was about to become even more of an uphill struggle.
Blues’ response to the opening goal was to go all-out attack. Unfortunately, this meant they left themselves open at the back, and a quick counter attack by Brugge saw Vadis Odjidja slide the ball into the path of Joseph Akpala – scorer of Brugges’ goal in the reverse fixture in Belgium – who slotted the ball home even though he looked to be offside.
Blues’ European dreams seemed to be falling on deaf ears, but the second forty-five produced an incredible fight back by Chris Hughton’s men. Adam Rooney, pairing Nikola Zigic up front, had an early chance to get his team back into the game early on and the Blues attacking threat took off at a canter from there on out. As the crowd sensed a Blues comeback, the team grew in confidence; with Jean Beausejour and David Murphy working tirelessly down the left wing and the former getting the goal that brought Blues back into the game. Wade Elliott’s cross found Zigic who controlled the ball but failed to get a shot off after a block from ex-Baggie Ryan Donk, and to Blues’ luck the ball fell straight to Beausejour who sweetly struck the ball home to produce an emphatic roar from the crowd. Game on.
Brugge, knocked a little in confidence by the early second half goal, were now on the back foot and it was Birmingham who were taking charge of proceedings. Spurred on by the deafening crowd, Blues surged forward at every opportunity, and free kicks from Elliott and Murphy almost produced equalising goals but fell just short of the target.
Hughton made a triple substitution, bringing on Chris Burke, Marlon King and Chris Wood; which turned out to be inspiring and influential changes. Both teams were now attacking with full force but defending in numbers, and another Blues chance came from an unlikely source. Guirane N’Daw found the ball at his feet 30 yards out and, being urged to shoot by the St. Andrews faithful, unleashed a fierce shot which looked to be going in had it not been for a brilliant fingertip save from Vladan Kujovic.
This fired up the fans in the stand further who sensed an equalizer coming, and they only had to wait a few minutes for the inevitable. Beausejour made a run into the box and was brought down in a seemingly soft challenge. Nevertheless, the referee made no mistake in pointing firmly to the spot: a deafening cheer went up, and Marlon King confidently picked the ball up and walked over to the penalty spot. After discussions between the Brugge players and the referee, King calmly stepped up to take the penalty and expertly slotted home to send the Blues fans into delirium once again. With Brugge shaken, Blues pressed on in search of a winner but even with the attacking threat of Burke and the firepower of Wood they couldn’t manage to find another goal. Nevertheless, coming back from 2-0 down to draw and pick up another valuable point in Europe feels like a win in what was another special night at St. Andrews.
With two games left to play Blues now find themselves on equal points (7) with both Brugge and Braga, but second in the table because of Uefa’s head to head ruling. With a tough test at Braga left to play Blues will have to hope to pick up at least a point before heading into the last game, a home fixture against Maribor, while hoping for the best result possible out of the other final group H game; Brugge v Braga.
But Chris Hughton will surely be able to inspire his team in the next two fixtures, and after picking up a much-deserved October Manager of the Month award, both him and his players will be going into both games full on confidence, and full of hope that they can pull off another two remarkable results to secure a couple more games of European football at least.
Full Time: BLUES 2-2 Club Brugge KV
Goal Scorers: Meunier (39) Akpala (44) Beausejour (55) King (74)
Star Man: Jean Beausejour for his countless runs down the left hand side, his work to win freekicks (no matter how easily he seemed to go down!) his crosses and most importantly his goal which sparked the Blues comeback
Next Up: Reading away - Championship
Monday, 17 October 2011
King Power
Money talks in football, and Leicester have a considerable amount of cash at their disposal meaning their Summer spending list is something to boast about. The addition of Kasper Schmeichel, Matt Mills and Neill Danns amongst others means Leicester are one of the favourites for promotion this season. Compare the East Midlands outfit to ‘Bosman Blues,’ only spending money on two players in the transfer window, we’re talking Manchester City versus Wigan, but in smaller, different terms, of course. But you gather the jist of the comparison: financially, very far apart. In terms of the team sheet, Leicester’s squad has a list of recognisable names and talent. But money cannot always buy you success.
Yesterday, other than witnessing a very uneventful first half, I saw a team with masses of talent and potential produce, well, not much at all. I was impressed with Blues’ second half performance, but moreover I was disappointed with the Leicester display. They created little and when presented with chances they seemed not to know how to finish them. With players like Mills, the captain, losing his cool so easily, and their lack of invention, you can see why they aren’t leading the chase for promotion just yet.
But that’s not a complaint from me. It allowed Blues to flourish, and as such, win somewhat comfortably. The penalty, albeit a soft decision on reflection, was the starting point and the catalyst for Leicester’s downfall: they lost their heads, and didn’t pull themselves together afterwards. Marlon King duly slotted away the resulting penalty how, I believe, penalties should always be taken. No nonsense.
Kicking on from there we had a number of brilliant chances to kill the game off (although Matt Mills’ sending off pretty much confirmed that anyway) with the most prominent being Chris Wood’s one on one which he agonizingly shot straight at Schmeichel in the Leicester net. However minutes from the end of the game he made up for the miss in a really enjoyable move. The move began with Keith Fahey, who had an encouraging game alongside Morgaro Gomis, and he picked out King who and played a brilliant ball into the path of Wood, making up for his earlier miss by taking it round to keeper to secure victory and to keep his goal scoring tally way ahead of that of his team mates.
On reflection that win was important. Firstly we maintained our home form which, in any league, is paramount especially when [promotion is the primary focus of the season. But it also must have installed confidence into the side, especially ahead of our Europa League tie later this week. To beat a Leicester side with such a wealth of talent and an ex-England manager at the helm is something to be proud of. It was a brilliant day at the office for Blues, with some great individual performances and contributions to boot. It's refreshing to have another game where we can take so positives out of the performance; not to mention the Barcelona-esque passing in the final few minutes. Ole!
As a footnote I'd also like to say how moving the tribute to Harry Moseley was. It really brought a tear to the eye; he was a very imspirational and brave boy who will be missed by so many people. Please add to the 500 million plus he made whilst he was with us and keep his memory alive by purchasing a Help Harry Help Others bracelet or donate by clicking HERE. Thank you.
Full Time: BLUES 2-0 Leicester City
Goal Scorers: King (50), Wood (84)
Star Man: Jean Beausejour. The catalyst of many Blues attacks, but like Chris Hughton said during the week, there is more to come from him. I want to see that too because he's one of our best players as it is. Chris Burke, Pablo Ibanez and Marlon King also put in impressive, tireless performances.
Next Up: Club Brugge KV away - Europa League Group Stage
Yesterday, other than witnessing a very uneventful first half, I saw a team with masses of talent and potential produce, well, not much at all. I was impressed with Blues’ second half performance, but moreover I was disappointed with the Leicester display. They created little and when presented with chances they seemed not to know how to finish them. With players like Mills, the captain, losing his cool so easily, and their lack of invention, you can see why they aren’t leading the chase for promotion just yet.
But that’s not a complaint from me. It allowed Blues to flourish, and as such, win somewhat comfortably. The penalty, albeit a soft decision on reflection, was the starting point and the catalyst for Leicester’s downfall: they lost their heads, and didn’t pull themselves together afterwards. Marlon King duly slotted away the resulting penalty how, I believe, penalties should always be taken. No nonsense.
Kicking on from there we had a number of brilliant chances to kill the game off (although Matt Mills’ sending off pretty much confirmed that anyway) with the most prominent being Chris Wood’s one on one which he agonizingly shot straight at Schmeichel in the Leicester net. However minutes from the end of the game he made up for the miss in a really enjoyable move. The move began with Keith Fahey, who had an encouraging game alongside Morgaro Gomis, and he picked out King who and played a brilliant ball into the path of Wood, making up for his earlier miss by taking it round to keeper to secure victory and to keep his goal scoring tally way ahead of that of his team mates.
On reflection that win was important. Firstly we maintained our home form which, in any league, is paramount especially when [promotion is the primary focus of the season. But it also must have installed confidence into the side, especially ahead of our Europa League tie later this week. To beat a Leicester side with such a wealth of talent and an ex-England manager at the helm is something to be proud of. It was a brilliant day at the office for Blues, with some great individual performances and contributions to boot. It's refreshing to have another game where we can take so positives out of the performance; not to mention the Barcelona-esque passing in the final few minutes. Ole!
As a footnote I'd also like to say how moving the tribute to Harry Moseley was. It really brought a tear to the eye; he was a very imspirational and brave boy who will be missed by so many people. Please add to the 500 million plus he made whilst he was with us and keep his memory alive by purchasing a Help Harry Help Others bracelet or donate by clicking HERE. Thank you.
Full Time: BLUES 2-0 Leicester City
Goal Scorers: King (50), Wood (84)
Star Man: Jean Beausejour. The catalyst of many Blues attacks, but like Chris Hughton said during the week, there is more to come from him. I want to see that too because he's one of our best players as it is. Chris Burke, Pablo Ibanez and Marlon King also put in impressive, tireless performances.
Next Up: Club Brugge KV away - Europa League Group Stage
Friday, 16 September 2011
Post-Braga Thoughts
Yesterday evening saw the return of European football under the lights at St. Andrews. After beating Nacional 3-0 Blues were now in the group stages. The big time. First opponents: last year’s runners up and top Portuguese side SC Braga. A tough start, but the belief at Birmingham City is always there, so fans hoped for a cupset – which we are suitably renowned for after last season’s exploits in the Carling Cup. Unfortunately though, a well-organised Braga had other ideas; yet heads should still be raised high after a admirable and positive performance from a team with numerous changes from the starting eleven who beat Millwall at the weekend.
I am a glass half full kind of person, so for me last night – and this whole competition – is just something to enjoy and try to take out as many positives of each game as I can. For a start, Braga were very professional last night and must be commended. Their first goal, scored by Barbosa, was a delightful shot which Boaz Myhill just couldn’t prevent. Controversial circumstances surrounded the second of Braga’s goals when Lima, who looked to be offside, netted to put the Portugese outfit 2-0 up. But their calm and controlled manner on and off the ball saw them ooze professionalism and keep a frustrated Blues from scoring.
The lifeline in the 70th minute lifted St. Andrews and if we take one thing out of the game it can be that we scored in the group stages on the Europa League. After numerous chances and a period of dominance, substitute Chris Burke drilled a perfect ball into the path of Marlon King – impressing greatly on his full debut – who made no mistake of slotting the ball home from a few yards out.
Game on. We could do this. The crowed began to get behind the team even more so than they had done earlier on in the game, especially when Nathan Redmond picked up the ball on the wing. The youngster even had the chance to equalise after he cut in and produced a shot which almost curled into the top right hand corner but Braga keeper Quim tipped it agonizingly over the bar.
Unfortunately all this attacking business meant we were liable to be caught short at the back, and so Braga put any chance of a memorable Blues fight-back out of the window when Barbosa, scorer of the first goal, tapped home a close-range shot after a well-worked counter attack.
The team should not be disheartened: the fans aren’t. They didn’t disgrace nor embarrass themselves. A team consisting of new signings, players who were unfamiliar with each other and a captain who had an uncharacteristically bad performance actually did themselves proud. Of course a win would have been a great way to kick off the group and show a real presence amongst the European elite, but the team selection was a statement of intent put forward by Chris Hughton: this is not our bread and butter. The league is our main priority and the Europea League is a distraction, albeit an extremely nice and welcomed distraction.
I for one enjoyed last night. It was an experience I never thought I’d get supporting Blues so no matter what happens for the next five Group H games I’m going to enjoy it. You never know, they might surprise us. And if they don’t? Well, like I said, I never expected to be watching my team play Maribor let alone Braga and Brugge, and it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Full Time: BLUES 1-3 SC Braga
Goal Scorers: Barbosa (6) (88) Lima (59) King (71)
Star Man: Marlon King - worked tirelessly and was in the right place at the right time to score our goal
Next Up: Southampton Away - Championship
I am a glass half full kind of person, so for me last night – and this whole competition – is just something to enjoy and try to take out as many positives of each game as I can. For a start, Braga were very professional last night and must be commended. Their first goal, scored by Barbosa, was a delightful shot which Boaz Myhill just couldn’t prevent. Controversial circumstances surrounded the second of Braga’s goals when Lima, who looked to be offside, netted to put the Portugese outfit 2-0 up. But their calm and controlled manner on and off the ball saw them ooze professionalism and keep a frustrated Blues from scoring.
The lifeline in the 70th minute lifted St. Andrews and if we take one thing out of the game it can be that we scored in the group stages on the Europa League. After numerous chances and a period of dominance, substitute Chris Burke drilled a perfect ball into the path of Marlon King – impressing greatly on his full debut – who made no mistake of slotting the ball home from a few yards out.
Game on. We could do this. The crowed began to get behind the team even more so than they had done earlier on in the game, especially when Nathan Redmond picked up the ball on the wing. The youngster even had the chance to equalise after he cut in and produced a shot which almost curled into the top right hand corner but Braga keeper Quim tipped it agonizingly over the bar.
Unfortunately all this attacking business meant we were liable to be caught short at the back, and so Braga put any chance of a memorable Blues fight-back out of the window when Barbosa, scorer of the first goal, tapped home a close-range shot after a well-worked counter attack.
The team should not be disheartened: the fans aren’t. They didn’t disgrace nor embarrass themselves. A team consisting of new signings, players who were unfamiliar with each other and a captain who had an uncharacteristically bad performance actually did themselves proud. Of course a win would have been a great way to kick off the group and show a real presence amongst the European elite, but the team selection was a statement of intent put forward by Chris Hughton: this is not our bread and butter. The league is our main priority and the Europea League is a distraction, albeit an extremely nice and welcomed distraction.
I for one enjoyed last night. It was an experience I never thought I’d get supporting Blues so no matter what happens for the next five Group H games I’m going to enjoy it. You never know, they might surprise us. And if they don’t? Well, like I said, I never expected to be watching my team play Maribor let alone Braga and Brugge, and it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Full Time: BLUES 1-3 SC Braga
Goal Scorers: Barbosa (6) (88) Lima (59) King (71)
Star Man: Marlon King - worked tirelessly and was in the right place at the right time to score our goal
Next Up: Southampton Away - Championship
Friday, 10 June 2011
Marlon King: Opinions vs Morals
The last time Marlon King graced the St. Andrews turf with his presence was back in February. He was, quite rightly, tormented and abused from the home fans throughout and at one point, after scoring the opening goal for Coventry that afternoon, he seemed to revel in the chants aimed at him.
At that point, I despised him. How could he have assaulted a woman and then be rejoicing in the abuse he received for it? It was disgusting, like gut-wrenching as the crime he committed – and the thirteen offences before that.
But the next time he’ll be at St. Andrews, he’ll be playing for my club.
If the cost of relegation is having Marlon King wearing your club's shirt, I dislike it even more now - and I know a lot agree with me. Some are saying “if he scores and gets us up I don’t care” but speaking as a woman, I do care. I care because that could have been someone I know, a friend, a family member, anyone. Sometimes in football we can put things behind us when it comes to the actual game. Players having affairs for instance: you might think the player a bad role model, but on the pitch if they put on a good performance their off the pitch antics are put to one side. But other times things cannot be forgiven or ignored, and this is one of them.
Morals cannot be overlooked either, but then again, opinions can be changed. When he signed for Coventry City fans were heavily against the idea of having King play for the team they adore. Who can blame them? Applauding someone week in week out who is on the sex offenders register is not how many people visualize spending their Saturday afternoons. Yet, many goals and many great performances later, he was voted their player of the season and whilst Blues fans are adamant they don’t want him at the club, many Coventry fans wish he'd stayed with them.
I reserve judgement on a lot of new signings until I see them play, and I will give King credit if he does well for my club, but I cannot - nor should anyone else for that matter - overlook his past for the sake of a few goals to get us promoted.
Yet, we shouldn't let that affect our love of the club. As I saw someone mention earlier: you may not like King, detest him even, but there are ten other players on that pitch who need our support, and the arrival of one player shouldn't decide whether we attend games or not.
As it stands my opinion of Marlon King is a negative one. If he does well for us that opinion will change, but I cannot and will not forget what he has done in his past no matter what he does for my club. It's a lot easier to change your opinion than it is to change the morals you believe in.
At that point, I despised him. How could he have assaulted a woman and then be rejoicing in the abuse he received for it? It was disgusting, like gut-wrenching as the crime he committed – and the thirteen offences before that.
But the next time he’ll be at St. Andrews, he’ll be playing for my club.
If the cost of relegation is having Marlon King wearing your club's shirt, I dislike it even more now - and I know a lot agree with me. Some are saying “if he scores and gets us up I don’t care” but speaking as a woman, I do care. I care because that could have been someone I know, a friend, a family member, anyone. Sometimes in football we can put things behind us when it comes to the actual game. Players having affairs for instance: you might think the player a bad role model, but on the pitch if they put on a good performance their off the pitch antics are put to one side. But other times things cannot be forgiven or ignored, and this is one of them.
Morals cannot be overlooked either, but then again, opinions can be changed. When he signed for Coventry City fans were heavily against the idea of having King play for the team they adore. Who can blame them? Applauding someone week in week out who is on the sex offenders register is not how many people visualize spending their Saturday afternoons. Yet, many goals and many great performances later, he was voted their player of the season and whilst Blues fans are adamant they don’t want him at the club, many Coventry fans wish he'd stayed with them.
I reserve judgement on a lot of new signings until I see them play, and I will give King credit if he does well for my club, but I cannot - nor should anyone else for that matter - overlook his past for the sake of a few goals to get us promoted.
Yet, we shouldn't let that affect our love of the club. As I saw someone mention earlier: you may not like King, detest him even, but there are ten other players on that pitch who need our support, and the arrival of one player shouldn't decide whether we attend games or not.
As it stands my opinion of Marlon King is a negative one. If he does well for us that opinion will change, but I cannot and will not forget what he has done in his past no matter what he does for my club. It's a lot easier to change your opinion than it is to change the morals you believe in.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
The Masters of the Comeback
The game seemed like a real anti-climax at first. It's not that not any of us wanted to lose, it's just that the game seemed like it didn't matter as much as everything else going on, i.e. a relegation battle in the league and trip to Wembley in the Carling Cup. Nevertheless, McLeish fielded quite an attacking team, showing he was determined to win the tie and keep up Blues' good record in both domestic cups this season.
Surprisingly we started the better side, which isn't something we see too often. Just a few minutes in and Bentley bombed down the left hand side and whipped in a ball which Zigic met and headed agonisingly wide. Kevin Phillips, getting a rare start, also came very close to giving Blues the lead; but it was the away side who drew first blood in the tie. Marlon King picked up the ball on the right and with Ridgewell lying on the floor with a head injury, he was unmarked and able to have a great shot on goal which sailed past the Blues keeper Doyle and sent the 6,000 travelling Coventry fans crazy.
The Championship side found their feet in the game then, and began to take more control in the tie despite Blues still posing that great attacking threat with Bentley and Beausejour running the wings. Coventry's second of the game came thanks to a McSheffrey corner, a strong Richard Wood header and some questionable Blues defending.
But even at 2-0 down you felt that Blues were going to at least take the tie to a replay. It's just the Blues way. And Bentley brought the home side right back into it when 25 yards out he unleashed an unstoppable shot that looped over the head of goalkeeper Westwood and stunned the rest of the Coventry team. Half time, 2-1, and game most definitely on.
The turn of the half saw Blues completely go for it. You sensed an equaliser straight away, and it almost came courtesy of Beausejour; after a signature ball into the box by Bentley, all Beausejour had to do was head it in from a few yards out, but the ball skimmed off his head and went agonisingly wide of the post. However, this didn't stop Blues, and with 67 minutes gone of the game Nikola Zigic did some superb battling on the right hand side and was able to get the ball to Hleb before being knocked to the floor. Hleb took the ball on and crossed into the area and his pin-point ball found Parnaby who was on hand to equalise for the home side; finishing off a really good move by Blues.
On the up now, Blues just kept on attacking. Kevin Phillips had numerous shots on target throughout the game yet couldn't find the back of the net... that was until the 74th minute when he popped up with the winning goal. After being denied by Westwood, Blues won a corner, and when the ball landed at Phillips' feet in the area, you could have put money on him finishing: and he did. 3-2 Blues, and try as they might the Coventry players just couldn't find a way back.
Hleb had a great game in midfield and although he over did it at times, his attacking play was brilliant and he was a great asset to the side today. As was evergreen Kevin Phillips, who even managed to play the whole ninety minutes, getting into key positions and then popping up with the winning goal as well. The whole team seemed very assured today, and despite going two goals down never really looked like they were in trouble. In the end, it could have been 4 or 5-2; It was a great team performance second half. Well done Blues.
Full Time: Birmingham City 3-2 Coventry City
Surprisingly we started the better side, which isn't something we see too often. Just a few minutes in and Bentley bombed down the left hand side and whipped in a ball which Zigic met and headed agonisingly wide. Kevin Phillips, getting a rare start, also came very close to giving Blues the lead; but it was the away side who drew first blood in the tie. Marlon King picked up the ball on the right and with Ridgewell lying on the floor with a head injury, he was unmarked and able to have a great shot on goal which sailed past the Blues keeper Doyle and sent the 6,000 travelling Coventry fans crazy.
The Championship side found their feet in the game then, and began to take more control in the tie despite Blues still posing that great attacking threat with Bentley and Beausejour running the wings. Coventry's second of the game came thanks to a McSheffrey corner, a strong Richard Wood header and some questionable Blues defending.
But even at 2-0 down you felt that Blues were going to at least take the tie to a replay. It's just the Blues way. And Bentley brought the home side right back into it when 25 yards out he unleashed an unstoppable shot that looped over the head of goalkeeper Westwood and stunned the rest of the Coventry team. Half time, 2-1, and game most definitely on.
The turn of the half saw Blues completely go for it. You sensed an equaliser straight away, and it almost came courtesy of Beausejour; after a signature ball into the box by Bentley, all Beausejour had to do was head it in from a few yards out, but the ball skimmed off his head and went agonisingly wide of the post. However, this didn't stop Blues, and with 67 minutes gone of the game Nikola Zigic did some superb battling on the right hand side and was able to get the ball to Hleb before being knocked to the floor. Hleb took the ball on and crossed into the area and his pin-point ball found Parnaby who was on hand to equalise for the home side; finishing off a really good move by Blues.
On the up now, Blues just kept on attacking. Kevin Phillips had numerous shots on target throughout the game yet couldn't find the back of the net... that was until the 74th minute when he popped up with the winning goal. After being denied by Westwood, Blues won a corner, and when the ball landed at Phillips' feet in the area, you could have put money on him finishing: and he did. 3-2 Blues, and try as they might the Coventry players just couldn't find a way back.
Hleb had a great game in midfield and although he over did it at times, his attacking play was brilliant and he was a great asset to the side today. As was evergreen Kevin Phillips, who even managed to play the whole ninety minutes, getting into key positions and then popping up with the winning goal as well. The whole team seemed very assured today, and despite going two goals down never really looked like they were in trouble. In the end, it could have been 4 or 5-2; It was a great team performance second half. Well done Blues.
Full Time: Birmingham City 3-2 Coventry City
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