Wharton goes head over heels for Rovers win
BLACKBURN youngster Adam Wharton hit his first senior goal – but it was keeper Thomas Kaminski who took the matchwinning honours.
Wharton, 18, did an amazing double somersault after adding to Sam Gallagher’s earlier breakthrough strike.
It meant that Blackburn notched their 10th win of the season – and their fifth successive home victory.
But it was all thanks to Belgium’s Under-21 keeper Kaminski who made a series of super saves to deny in-form Birmingham.
Rovers gaffer Jon Dahl Tomasson admitted: “Kaminski gave us a worldclass performance.
“He had a great game and saved us with his super saves.
“His saves were the best of the best. We have him to thank for our latest win against a team that has been in top form.
“Having said that, it was nice to see young Adam get his first-ever goal in what was only his fourth ever senior start.
“We’re bringing on our young players and although they will make mistakes, they are maturing well.”
Birmingham boss John Eustace said: “We were excellent and had some great chances against a top of the league side.
“It’s not like us to concede two goals – but we kept going.
‘I’m very proud of the team and full credit to Scott Hogan for scoring his goal and for his earlier efforts.
“But he came up against Kaminski, who was in fine form to deny us.”
Eustace added: “I’m disappointed for our fans.
More than 2,200 travelled miles for the game and back.
“I’m just as proud of them as I am of the team.”
Hogan did finally score a deserved goal in the 80th minute as sub Lukas Jutkiewicz headed to his fellow striker, who finally beat Kaminski with a right-foot shot into the top left corner.
Kaminski had earlier denied Hogan wide with a fingertip save when he looked favourite to score.
He also foiled the striker in a one-on-one showdown.
Then he went on to twice save from Juninho Bacuna, and also from Jutkiewicz.
A quickfire move by Blackburn led to their breakthrough goal.
Ben Brereton Diaz passed at speed to Tyler Morton, whose low pass into the heart of the goalmouth was swept home by Gallagher.
Then came young Wharton’s cracking strike to put Blackburn in the driving seat, ensuring that Blues’ bad form at Ewood Park continued, with only one win in 26 at Blackburn. BLACKBURN: Kaminski 8; Carter 6, Hyam 6, S Wharton 6; Hedges 6
(Phillips (64) 6), Travis, Morton 6, Pickering 7; A Wharton 7 (Garrett
(60) 6), Gallagher 7 (Vale (84) 4), Brereton Diaz 7 (Dolan (84) 4) BIRMINGHAM: Ruddy 7; Sanderson 6, Dean 6 (Deeney (74) 5), Trusty 7; Colin 6 (Graham (74) 6), Bielik 5 (Mejbri
(62) 6), Longelo 6, Bacuna 6, Hall 5 (Bellingham (74) 5), Chong 6 (Jutkiewicz (75) 5), Hogan 7
STAR MAN: Thomas Kaminski – Blackburn keeper’s fine saves kept his side in the game.
REFEREE: Gavin Ward 8