In the first of some crucial games, Birmingham answered their critics with a first half hammering of Barnsley.
Birmingham haven’t been consistent in picking up points this season. That can become a problem if its allowed to go on for too long, and Blues needed this win just as much as their opponents.
Blues pull clear of the relegation zone for now and certainly have something to go and build on. The fixture certainly had a must win feel to it from both sides from the pre-match media.
Barnsley fans were no doubt disappointed to see their team slip away to a 3-0 score line within the first half. Barnsley Football Club have since parted company with manager David Flintcroft.
The first goal came just as Barnsley thought they had cleared the danger. Jean-Yves M`voto pushed Jesse Lingard out of the way and passed the ball away, Caddis snatched the ball away and let fly with a superb low shot that zipped past Butland.
A poor goal to give away defensively, a silly ball in their own half. But look at that strike, a wonderful goal from a half chance.
From a corner in towards the goal mouth, the ball bounced around as players tried to scramble it away. Zigic’s shirt was being used to manhandle him as he was bundled over.
It has been said that Zigic dived, it is abundantly clear he is fouled. He may well get some kind of nomination for an award for the performance he put on to alert the referee though.
Firstly, losing a goal from a set piece like that is avoidable and Barnsley will know that looking at it. Players know that shirt pulling is going to be pulled up and it was.
Big Ziggy makes the most of it but players aren’t afraid to hit the deck if you have a hold of them.
Penalty, Caddis stepped up and sent Butland left, the wrong way. The low shot nestling in the corner 2-0.
Confident penalty from a lad enjoying his afternoon, he went on to have a good game. Really troubled Barnsley.
The lighting then started to falter, Blues didn’t let that distract them. Oakwell was not lit up but the game was deemed playable.
Barnsley looked to get back into the game with a free-kick in a decent position. Zigic cleared away and then proceeded to race forward.
Caddis burst away towards the Barnsley half, feeding Lingard. Jim O`Brien cut out the pass but only played a weak ball back to Butland. Zigic beat the England keeper there and just lifted it beautifully into the goal.
Barnsley were caught on the break for the third and well that’s a risk you take when you’re two goals down at home. The fans expect you to push on and you really need to stay alert at the back.
That’s how the top teams do it and how the poorer teams are really damaged, well taken finish from the big forward.
Marcus Pedersen troubled with a header a few minutes before half time. All in all not much to note for the home team.
Pedersen was caught offside when he ventured forward attempting to get on the end of a home-side cross.
Lee Novak met a Caddis cross and Butland brilliantly stayed alert to his front post to deny the Blues man his goal.
A poorly defended corner fell to Lingard twice in the second half but he failed to score either attempt.
Wade Elliot on his 100th appearance for Birmingham sent in a cross in the last minute. Butland again was there to deny a glanced shot from Novak.
With a bright start, bluess didn’t press on in the second half. In keeping a clean sheet Lee Clark can more that justify that decision.
Good concentration from the team, a really professional job in a game that needed to be won.
Realistically you can’t bemoan a difficult start if you don’t go and beat the easier teams when they come along.
That is Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday that we have battered comfortably, this team should progress up the league now.
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