Birmingham City returned to winning ways against Preston on Saturday, easing to a 3-0 victory that bolsters the side’s position after a recent dip in form.
Garry Monk’s side were under pressure after defeats against Derby County and Aston Villa either side of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Hull City but the victory at St. Andrews presents a platform to get back-on-track during the busy festive season that lies ahead.
Jacques Maghoma and Che Adams were both on the scoresheet for the Blues at the weekend but it was the opening goal scored by Maikel Kieftenbeld that left many on social media talking after a truly bizarre sequence of events.
The Dutch midfielder appeared to fire a long ball forward for Lukas Jutkiewicz, which ran through to Preston keeper Declan Rudd but ran past his legs and into the net – although it is fair to say Blues fans on social media did not care.
We have gathered some of their reactions below.
The Blues did excellently to put right what wasn't working as well in the first half. A crazy goal from Kieftenbeld, followed by a couple more from Maghoma and Adams helped secure the three points. All smiles from the fans in the stands here.#KRO #BCFC
— Ethan Georgiou (@EthanGeorgiou) December 1, 2018
It's easy to blame the keeper, but for me that was another great Kieftenbeld powerful finesse shot from 45 yards that not even De Gea's would've saved 😂😂😂.
— Sean Kennedy 🇬🇧🏴🌹 #GSTK (@SCGeorgeK) December 2, 2018
Kieftenbeld showing true Dutch class and guile spotting that gap from 40 yards out and picking his spot
— john (@26jpa) December 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/youfckinspanner/status/1068945291372634117
Kieftenbeld only scores screamers! Can't place any blame on the keeper, he didn't stand a chance! #bcfc
— / (@_jsews494) December 2, 2018
60 yard screamer aside, that was some 2nd half performance from Kieftenbeld. I hope to god we don’t lose either him or Gardner for any extended period, they’re the perfect partnership #bcfc
— Josh MacDonald (@joshmac90) December 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/JoeHughes_98/status/1068912057817411584
Kieftenbeld, his goal aside, was also fantastic, screened superbly well, won everything in front of the defence today, kept running and even grabbed an assist, another superb performance #kro #bcfc
— Jake 💙 (@bcfcwoody97) December 1, 2018