Maxime powers to glory
BIRMINGHAM Colin 16
A RARE goal by Frenchman Maxime Colin ended Preston’s proud run of seven league games without conceding.
It gave Birmingham only their second win of the season – but it still had the Blues’ travelling army of 2,000 fans chanting: “How bad must you be, we’re winning away!”
This was a huge win for the beleaguered St Andrew’s outfit, who jumped out of the bottom three but still face an uncertain takeover future.
Even so, boss John Eustace was delighted with his young side, and said: “It was pleasing to see our training ground moves come off. We’ve got a great collection of players, and we have got our rewards.
“Bringing in Tahith Chong and Hannibal from Manchester United gave us a lift. It would have been good to have brought in a couple more experienced players too, but we go with where we are.”
Preston gaffer Ryan Lowe, who was red-carded by ref James Bell for “having words” after the final whistle, revealed he had apologised, but stood by his views, adding: “I was disappointed by his performance. “
But Lowe admitted: “We lacked that quality up front. When you create 10 attempts, four on target, you have to score from one of them.”
Birmingham’s strike was simplicity itself. Full marks to Jordan Graham for his run down the right and his lofted cross into the box to find Colin in space. All he had to do was direct his header home.
Questions, though, have to be asked about Robbie Brady and keeper Freddie Woodman.
PRESTON: Woodman 5; Storey 6, Lindsay 7, Cunningham 7; Potts 6 (Fernandez 61, 6), Whiteman 6 (O’neill 81, 5), Browne 6 (Evans 74, 6), Mccann 6 (Johnson 81, 5), Brady 6; Riis 7, Parrott 6 (Ledson 81, 5).
BIRMINGHAM: Ruddy 7; Sanderson 7, Roberts 6, Trusty 6; Colin 8, Bielik 6
(Hall 74, 5), Bacuna 6 (Bellingham 86, 5), Chong 6 (James 57, 6), Graham 7; Hogan 6 (Hannibal 86, 5), Deeney 5 (Jutkiewicz
74, 5).
STAR MAN: Maxime Colin – Blues’ French Connection scored crucial winner and put in a useful shift.
REF: James Bell 5