Birmingham City FC

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• Founded:1875
• Manager:Alex McLeish

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Stunning Blues delight McLeish

24 Jan 2010 - 11:20:55

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Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish hailed the "classy" goals his in-form team scored in their 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Premier League rivals Everton.

First-half goals from Christian Benitez and Barry Ferguson fired the Blues to their first win at Everton since 1967.

Toffees substitute Leon Osman reduced the arrears ten minutes after the restart, but City held on to continue the fine form that has made them the Premier League's surprise package this season.

"It was a marvellous first half, we scored two classy goals and Barry Ferguson's will be a rival for goal of the season," proclaimed McLeish. "The intricate passing, the driving run, the expert finish, it was a wonderful goal.

"Benitez's goal was good, but Ferguson's was stunning. We stood up to them, particularly in the second half when we were facing an onslaught.

"But the first-half performance was instrumental in us winning the game.

"Everton came back at us, we knew they would, but we held on and we must give credit to the team for their resilience and their spirit.

"The run we are on, for a newly-promoted side, is sensational in modern times."