Blues must overcome fragility in both boxes

It was the same old story for Blues last night as they failed to record a win under Gianfranco Zola and fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Reading.

In all fairness, Blues weren’t too bad and it was, once again, a case of not being ruthless in the opposition box and instead being made to pay in our own.

Apart from a few shaky defensive moments in the first half that led to Reading attacks, Japp Stam’s side didn’t really pose too much of a threat and it was one lapse that cost us.

John Swift took his chance in the box after Reading got in behind the Blues defence far too easily in a moment that pretty much defined Zola`s side at the moment.

It was a well worked goal but Blues were carved open all too easily and it’s that fragility that can’t show in tight games like these.

Lukas Jutkiewicz could’ve, and probably should’ve, given us the lead after he missed the ball from a Kerim Frei cutback and that’s where it’s going against Blues at present.

The ball was a slight inch behind the big striker which meant that he just missed out on making contact and it’s those small margins that are eluding us.

The worrying thing for me is how difficult we are finding it to create chances inside the area. We were pretty much limited to shots from outside the area that were either blocked or easily saved.

We’ve scored just one goal from our last four league games and that was a penalty from Jutkiewicz. He has also scored four of our last five goals and we really can’t just rely on him.

We need the rest of our attack to chip in and take some of the pressure off Juke. He’s exceeded all expectations of him this season by already reaching double figures in league and cup.

It’s crucial that we don’t become too reliant on him because, in reality, he’s not a natural goalscorer and he most certainly needs help.

The arrival of Jerome Sinclair will hopefully add goals to the side and Jacques Maghoma`s return from the African Cup of Nations will be welcomed.

But players need to step up now. I’ve been disappointed by Craig Gardner and feel he needs to do a lot more in the middle of the park to get things going for Blues.

Paul Robinson came back into the starting line up and, in my opinion, was our star performer. Even at the age of 38, he read the game expertly, covered for mistakes and lead by example.

It was a no nonsense performance from Robbo that even included an uncharacteristic piece of skill that got the St Andrews crowd giggling.

With Ryan Shotton picking up an injury and with Michael Morrison`s current problem, Robinson could well have a part to play in the coming weeks.

Surely, though, there must come a moment when it all clicks together for Blues and it all falls our way.

Hopefully Saturday will be that day because this current run can’t continue. If it does, then we will find ourselves slipping down that league like no tomorrow.