Birmingham climbed to inside some extent of the Sky Guess Championship play-off locations with a 2-1 dwelling victory over Watford.
The Blues earned a fourth straight win at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park whereas Watford’s depressing run on the street continued regardless of a valiant effort within the second half.
Watford had their tails up from their optimistic latest type however Birmingham had reward for his or her first-half persistence when Paik Seung-Ho put them in entrance earlier than Demarai Grey doubled the lead in very good style earlier than the break.
The house followers had purpose for concern within the second interval when Othmane Maamma’s strike introduced Javi Gracia’s aspect again into the sport however that was not sufficient to cease them from shedding their five-game unbeaten document.
Chris Davies’ aspect ensured they returned to profitable methods following a draw on the weekend and went to seventh within the desk, only one level behind Bristol Metropolis within the play-offs.
The guests nearly obtained off to an ideal begin when the ball dropped to Thomas Ince exterior the world and he determined to have a crack with an effort that flew previous James Beadle’s despairing dive however marginally huge of the goal.
Watford allowed Birmingham to have the ball however they have been those trying extra threatening going ahead, with Beadle the primary to make a save to bat Maamma’s dig from distance away from hazard.
Demarai Grey and Jay Stansfield rejoice collectively
Visiting goalkeeper Nathan Baxter was introduced into motion for the primary time to excellently deny Phil Neumann from point-blank vary after Jay Stansfield had made a intelligent run from a free-kick.
Birmingham made the breakthrough simply after the half-hour mark.
Hector Kyprianou aimed to return away with possession however had his pocket picked by Paik who took a few touches earlier than smashing ferociously previous Baxter from exterior the field.
And the Blues had respiratory area two minutes earlier than the break courtesy of a chunk of brilliance from Grey who shifted the ball onto his proper foot inside the world and picked out the highest proper nook.
Watford rejoice getting one again at St Andrews
Watford’s latest type confirmed they weren’t out of the competition although, as Beadle needed to fingertip Marc Bola’s close-range effort over the bar to cease them from halving the deficit.
Birmingham ought to have been three to the nice when Jeremy Ngakia performed a lazy cross straight to Stansfield within the hazard zone and he arrange Marvin Ducksch who fluffed his strains from shut vary.
The house followers grew nervous when the Hornets chopped the lead in half.
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Watford had threatened to take action on a few events however lastly capitalised when Maamma latched onto Bola’s ball in earlier than sending an effort goalwards and too onerous for Beadle to cease.
Birmingham did effectively to stem the tide following the purpose however Mamadou Doumbia pressured a 3rd save from Beadle to allow them to know they have been nonetheless within the contest. Nonetheless, Birmingham held onto the three factors.
The managers
Birmingham’s Chris Davies:
“We’ve hit a good bit of form. Another challenging game but an excellent win for us.
“I assumed [Jay Stansfield] was actually good. His power, his depth, his play for the second purpose was excessive stage. It isn’t simply what he does going ahead, it is what he does the opposite means. He is very skilled, he does every thing proper.”
On Birmingham’s away form, Davies said: “We’re who we’re. We have been very shut in some away video games. It is onerous to create some depth naturally away from dwelling, however we’ll choose up some factors.
“I do have Watford fans in the family, but I’m Birmingham City through and through at the moment. We need to take each game as it comes – next is away at Southampton, and we’ve got a few days to focus on that.”
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Watford’s Javi Gracia:
“After the good minutes in the second half, We had some moments to dominate the game and score, but we couldn’t do it.
“First half was the identical – equal recreation, they took the probabilities that they had and we paid for our errors. They confirmed their high quality – Demarai Grey, nice purpose. We have been near equalising however ultimately, we did not do it.
“We are getting better day by day – we are young – but I’m sure we’ll improve in the next games, we’ll improve and give the supporters what they deserve.”
