MONK HAILS HIS GALLANT BLUES...
PROUD manager Garry Monk saluted the spirit in the Birmingham camp after his side gave their play-off prospects a massive boost with victory at Bristol City.
The Blues headed into Tuesday’s encounter at Ashton Gate six points behind their hosts, who occupied the final play-off spot. It meant it was vital they earned a result – and a 2-1 victory was just what the doctor ordered.
Birmingham made the breakthrough three minutes before the break when on-loan Bournemouth winger Connor Mahoney’s heavily deflected shot beat Robins keeper Niki Maenpaa.
The Blues doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. This time, Mahoney was the creator as his free-kick was headed home by defender Michael Morrison.
The game was back in the melting pot when Famara Diedhiou pulled one back on 66 minutes, but the Midlanders held on for three precious points on their travels. It cut the deficit to three points to Bris- t o l City, though the Robins have a game in hand.
While Birmingham have a potential points penalty hanging over them for breaching spending rules, there is little doubt they are doing the business on the pitch.
“The key point is the lads are together,” said a delighted Monk. “Everyone is willing each other on. It doesn’t matter who plays, everybody supports each other.”
Steve Bruce’s excellent start as Sheffield Wednesday manager continued as the Owls beat Brentford 2-0 at Hillsborough. Steven Fletcher scored both goals as Wednesday brought the Bees – who had hammered Hull 5-1 last weekend – crashing back down to earth.
Fletcher capitalised on
good work by Barry Bannan to open the scoring four minutes before halftime and sealed the points by heading his second just three minutes into the second half.
Bruce said: “It was certainly the best performance since I’ve been at the club. From the first whistle to the last, I thought we were worthy winners.
“Some of the stuff we played and the way we worked was terrific. I can’t fault them for their effort and endeavour.” Meanwhile, Hull bounced back from their mauling at Brentford with a 2-1 home success against lowly Millwall.
Success
Jarrod Bowen gave the Tigers an eighth-minute lead by deflecting in a Markus Henriksen shot, but the Lions drew level courtesy of Shaun Hutchinson in the 34th minute.
However, Hull had the last word as they wrapped up the night’s scoring three
minutes before the interval. Marc Pugh made his first Tigers start one to remember by firing into the corner of the net.
QPR prevented Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds going back to the top of the Championship with a 1-0 success at Loftus Road. It brought the R’s seven-game losing league run to an end.
The influential Luke Freeman flicked home the winner on 49 minutes after fine work by Massimo Luongo down the right. Leeds fought hard to get back on terms but were denied by
some excellent goalkeeping from Joe Lumley. The previous night, Nottingham Forest took the derby honours with a 1-0 win against Frank Lampard’s
Derby. The winning goal came after just 74 seconds, defender Yohan Benalouane scoring from close range.
Forest boss Martin O’Neill said: “We got off to a fantastic start and it gives you a bit of momentum. Derby had a very good chance and then we spurned a decent chance to make it 2-0 but I am just delighted to win.”