Watto – Blues turn back the clock to earn famous win

As the good old days of the fifties Blues went to far off lands to record a European away win.

Blues started this Europa League fixture unrecognisable from Saturday’s fiasco against Barnsley. Blues were sharp and slick in their passing. They got crosses in from both Burke and Beausejour and tested the Slovenian Champions and League leaders. Colin Doyle in Blues goal did have to pull off a fine save to keep Blues level but the visitors appeared in complete control.

Then with all things going well Blues manufactured an incredible cock up. Started by Burke who, instead of hitting a line ball, slipped the ball to Spector whose back pass was entirely inappropriate. The bouncing ball came to Doyle’s weak side and he made an air shot which would have embarrassed a 28 handicapper.  This left Volas with an empty net to tap into.

From that moment the vanishing crème came out and one by one the vibrant Blues line up disappeared into the fuzzy view that the internet afforded me. Staying in one of the world’s top hotels is fine but football seems to be off the menu. A 45” Hd TV can get baseball from Atlanta incredibly, but a top soccer game from one country away is beyond them.

Blues to their credit shook off the first half ebeejebees and the boss must take credit for lifting the gloom. The Blues set out to stifle any surge that the Slovenians may have had planned and for 20 minutes Blues kept them at arm’s length. A fine move sent King away and he neatly laid a ball into the path of Burke. The Scot had a bit to do but neatly made himself a shooting angle and netted a left foot drive. King who had done well in the lone role was replaced by Zigic.

The big fella proved too much for what were once fellow countrymen and Blues looked totally dominant. Wade Elliot was set up by Zigic. The new guy should have converted the chance but made up moments later when he got hold of another knock down and fired home from the edge of the box.

If Chris Hughton has finer hour as a manager than this then Blues fans will be in for a treat someday, that is  as long as they can keep him. This was an historic win as the English 39th ranked team beat the Slovenian Champions.

While the real Blues aficionado will appreciate the method of the victory, those who have decried the negativity of the previous manager will have to admit that winning with 4-5-1 is better than losing with 4-4-2.

By Alan Watton

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