Debutant nets winner in controversial opener

Birmingham City debutant Jon Toral scored the winner on his debut as the hosts defeated a tough Reading side 2-1.

However, the win was not as straight forward as most would think following last seasons 6-1 demolition of the Royals.

Nick Blackman found the net in the second half to set up a very nervy finish to the game after the Blues had gone 2-0 up thanks to goals from David Cotterill and Toral.

The opener came five minutes before half time when Cotterill stepped up to take a free kick around 20 yards out. The Welshman’s shot deflected massively off the wall which left Reading keeper Jonathan Bond flatfooted as he watched the ball bounce into his net.

Only a few minutes into the second half and Gary Rowett’s men were 2-0 up. After some good work by Clayton Donaldson on the left hand side, Arsenal loanee Toral rose above two Royals defenders and guided his header past Bond to give the Blues a two goal cushion.

Despite the visitors being behind they never gave up. They were rewarded for their persistence just before the hour mark when a delightful cross was pulled back to find an unmarked Nick Blackman who powered his header into the top corner.

Then came the controversial moment. Tshibola found himself in some space on the end of the Blues. The midfielder then let fly a cracking shot which smashed off the underside of the bar. The shot looked as though it had crossed the line but the officials failed to spot it.

After more and more Reading pressure and plenty of substitutions, Steve Clarke’s men had the chance to take away a point in the 97th minute of play.

David Davis tangled with Simon Cox inside the box and referee Peter Bankes pointed to the spot. At this point, hearts were in the stomachs of many Blues fans as another debutant Orlando Sa stepped up to take the spot kick.

However, former Manchester United shot stopper Tomasz Kuszczak got down low to his left and saved the penalty which was met by a thunderous roar.

The penalty miss turned out to be one of the last kicks of the game and Blues got off to the perfect start as they tabled a hard earned three points.

Blues fans, were you at the game? What did you make of the performance? Were there any stand out players for you? If yes, who were they? Let us know in the comment section down below!