Zola’s Luk changes at 11th time of asking
LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ was the Birmingham hero as his goal earned boss Gianfranco Zola his first win at the 11th attempt.
The former Burnley striker scored in the 75th minute, shortly after Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks had been sent off.
Zola said: “Of course I am relieved because I’ve been working towards this for a long time.
“When you’re not getting results, obviously doubts come into place so I am pleased because it will give more confidence to the coaches.
“I know I have the support of the club and they believe in the work that I’m doing.
“This is important because it will give confidence to the players and we will improve.”
It was a game of mixed fortunes for Jutkiewicz who wasted a fine first-half opportunity before notching his 10th goal of the season.
There was an anxious early moment for Fulham when keeper David Button hesitated leaving his line.
Craig Gardner spotted the opportunity as he raced forward only for Button to make a late fumbling save.
Blues then had a let-off when Stefan Johansen had a free header from Fredericks’ right-wing cross but Tomasz Kuszczak easily saved his weak effort.
Fulham had a massive escape in the 19th minute when Jutkiewicz headed against the bar from four yards following an accurate left-wing cross from Gardner.
Jutkiewicz had Button scrambling across his goal again soon after with a speculative 20-yard effort.
But Fulham looked the more dangerous and Chris Martin wasted a glorious close-range chance heading wide from Sone Aluko’s cross.
The game exploded in the 69th minute when Fredericks collected a red card for a crude tackle on Gardner on the halfway line.
And Birmingham sealed the points when Chei Keita made ground down the left and produced a low cross which Jutkiewicz gleefully turned into the net.
Floyd Ayite wasted a glorious chance to equalise.