Two opportunist goals from Marcus Bent and Damien Duff enabled Blackburn
Rovers to display their pedigree with an outstanding win over promotion rivals
Birmingham City in front of a capacity crowd at St Andrews.
A disappointed Birmingham slumped to their first defeat following five
successive wins, while Blackburn, now beaten just once in 16 games, move up into
third spot with the same number of points as second-placed Bolton but with two
games in hand.
Blackburn's promotion push gathered momentum as they completed the double over
Birmingham following their Boxing Day 2-1 success.
Birmingham's tail of woe was completed in the final minute of the game when
Darren Purse, who has been a key player for Birmingham in recent months, was
sent off by Uriah Rennie for an elbow on Matt Jensen.
It was a disappointing night for Birmingham but they could have no complaints
against a Blackburn side that produced a typically gritty performance under the
guidance of manager Graeme Souness.
Blackburn were fortunate that American goalkeeper Brad Friedel was in such
outstanding form.
His first major save of note occurred in the eighth minute when he
finger-tipped a Nicky Eaden free-kick over the bar. He then saved an Andrew
Johnson effort and pushed out a powerful drive from Curtis Woodhouse.
It was not until the 27th minute that Blackburn emerged as an attacking force
and ominously it was the match winners Bent and Duff that were involved.
Duff set up Bent who saw his close range shot well saved by Ian Bennett.
Blackburn gained considerable encouragement from this move and Jansen flashed
a powerful drive just wide of the upright.
But it was not until the 42nd minute that Blackburn, who had the backing of
1,800 fans coached down from Ewood Park free of charge by the club, took a shock
lead.
Keith Gillespie's cross from the right deceived Purse and the unmarked Bent
was able to fire home a shot which took a deflection off Peter Atherton with
Bennett going the other way.
Birmingham never recovered from this setback as a mature Blackburn were in no
mood to relinquish their lead.
The determination was demonstrated seven minutes into the second half. Bent
was pushed to the floor by Purse but referee Rennie allowed play to continue and
the loose ball was collected by Duff who cleverly jinked his way past three
Birmingham defenders before sliding a low shot to the left of the advancing
Bennett.
A demoralised Birmingham very nearly conceded a third goal and it was only the
brilliance of Bennett that kept out a Bent header with a flying save to his
left.
Birmingham staged a last ditch effort to get back into the game. But
Blackburn, to their credit, held firm with Henning Berg and Craig Short strong
in defence.
Teams
Birmingham: Bennett, Atherton, Michael Johnson (Holdsworth 22),
Purse, Grainger, McCarthy (Marcelo 55), Hughes, Woodhouse,
Eaden, Andrew Johnson, Horsfield (Furlong 77).
Subs Not Used: Poole, Gill.
Sent Off: Purse (90).
Booked: Horsfield.
Blackburn: Friedel, Curtis, Berg, Short, Bjornebye, Gillespie,
Dunn, Flitcroft, Duff, Jansen, Bent (Mahon 74).
Subs Not Used: Kelly, Taylor, Hignett, Berkovic.
Booked: Short.
Goals: Bent 41, Duff 53.
Att: 29,150.
Ref: U Rennie (Sheffield).
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