Ziggy shoots Blues to sixth win on the bounce

Blues eased past the Leeds’ threat with a winning goal from Nicola Zigic on 35 minutes. The Carr cross fell to the big man’s feet and with a delightful piece of control and turn fired through the crowd and into the net. The 90 minutes was just what the Serb needed and as well as getting the winner held the ball up well and set up his team mates on several occasions.

Leeds provided a good test for Blues who are in the middle of a run of games which would test the best. Blues matched the enthusiasm of the visitors whose programme has been relatively easy. Blues were marginally better in the final third than Leeds but it was Myhill who was called upon to make two outstanding saves to preserve Blues lead.

Blues are certainly starting to gel and Chris Hughton’s subtle changes are keeping the side fresh without causing too much disruption.  With Ziggy now joining the list of goal scorers Blues possess a goal threat both on the field and from the bench. In the centre of midfield there is no invention but equally there is no room to allow opponents to play round us. The back five are starting to look rock solid with several combinations available without any discernable lack of solidarity.

All very nice and the pain of seeing the Club pulled to bits is starting to recede. Very few of the players who left are pulling up any trees at their new homes while their replacements are doing all that is asked of them at a third of the price.

Blues are now competitive in two competitions and that will be the answer to keeping any players who might be transfer targets of those that still covet the last remnants of our Premiership squad. A place in the last 32 of the Europa league will require the numbers to be kept at least at present levels.

Six points from second place with 2 games in hand is a handy place to be but the games behind will increase again next week as Blues hope to cement their Europa position.

If Leeds are regarded as promotion candidates then Blues should finish in the top three of this division. A month ago Blues only had designs on avoiding the bottom three.

BIRMINGHAM (1) 1 LEEDS (0) 0

Zigic (35) Att: 21,426

BIRMINGHAM: Myhill, Carr, Caldwell, Davies, Ridgewell, Burke, Fahey, Spector, Beausejour, King (Wood 70), Zigic. Subs not used: Doyle, Murphy, N’Daw, Rooney.

Bookings: Beausejour, Burke.

LEEDS: Rachubka, Connolly, Lees, O’Dea, White, Clayton (Vayrynen 77), Howson, Snodgrass, Pugh (Sam 73), Keogh (Becchio 63), McCormack. Subs not used: Cairns, Kisnorbo.

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside) Did very well

By Alan Watton

What is your view on this story? Have your say below - You DON'T need to register in order to post your comment