Well, its never boring being a Bluenose as I’m sure it isn't boring for many of you football league supporters. I'm writing this straight from getting back to Birmingham from Selhurst Park after witnessing one of the best performances that I have seen the Blues produce. Maybe I'm getting carried away, maybe I'm being delirious but it might just be possible, we could just sneak into the play off's.
After watching the absolute demolition job my Birmingham City handed to Crystal Palace, at Palace (4-0), and the gritty 1-0 defeat of Middlesbrough, it has filled me with confidence that we could be able to take the late challenge to the teams in and around the play off places. For most of the season it has looked as if it was going to be a scrap for relegation and perhaps mid table mediocrity at best for us Bluenoses but 4 wins in 6 has opened the possibility, however slim, of a chance to make the play off’s. Birmingham are now 7 points adrift off 6th place with 7 games remaining, which will most likely mean that we need at least 5 wins from the last 7 but after seeing the defensive steel and attack prowess that currently exists in this Blues side, there is a definite possibility that with a positive result against midlands rivals Wolves on Monday we may throw ourselves right in the ‘mixer’ of the play off hunt.
The unlikely centre back partnership between Curtis Davies and Paul Robinson that has sprung up mainly through necessity than choice has proved to be an excellent partnership and the two defenders were particularly outstanding tonight, providing endless interceptions, tough tackles and dogged clearances. Their performances warranted the clean sheet that followed, Young Mitchell Hancox and versatile Paul Caddis, left back and right back respectively, provided the adept protection as well as a lingering threat out wide for the palace defence to have to deal with. Jack Butland was rarely tested but proved to be equal to anything thrown at him from the palace forwards. Defensively it was as perfect performance, this was especially impressive as we consistently dictated play in the palace half and the defence rarely looked susceptible to a counter attack from the home side. These types of defensive displays are going to be essential if Blues can have the legs to achieve the most unpredicted of play off pushes.
Going forward with Big Zig leading the line, it was down to the creative and expansive play of Keith Fahey, Ravel Morrison and Wade Elliott to dictate the midfield battle, I can’t speak more highly of Keith Fahey and his influence on the side since his return to the side with also equally talented replacements in Callum Reilly and Darren Ambrose, there is now a solid base in the centre of midfield for Birmingham which is something that has been lacking in many games this season. With only one forward it is essential that the midfield chip in with their fair share of created chances and goals, with all 5 of those midfielders mentioned above they all provide a goal threat and create many chances for the wingers and big Zigic. After another man of the match performance, Nathan Redmond has taken the mantle from the excellent Chris Burke and is looking to rekindle the form that saw him become an important first team member for long periods of last season.
Sorry to use the cliché but there is 7 ‘cup finals’ left for Birmingham starting with a huge game on Monday, with the team playing the best football it has done under Lee Clark there is now a buzz around the team with the players looking extremely confident and beyond the jubilant scenes that greets any 4-0 away win, there was definitely quiet optimism around the fans. So let’s get behind the boys in blue and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is Birmingham City FC.
Thanks for reading, would love to hear your views on your clubs or your views on my assessment of Blues currently.
Source: DSG
