Wolves 1-1 BLUES

HONOURS even at the Molineux in the big Birmingham-Black Country derby despite Blues looking good for all three points when Cameron Jerome put the away side ahead minutes into the second half.

McLeish's men were the better of the two sides over the 90 minutes and deserved their lead just after the restart as Jerome's pace was too much for Richard Stearman. Wolves hit back however through Sylvan Ebanks-Blake with only 15 minutes remaining.

A foggy afternoon at the Molineux saw the away side enjoy the majority of possession throughout the early stages. Lee Carsley and Nigel Quashie were able to get the ball down and run things in midfield.

Blues had several chances in the first half to put the game beyond the home side as Kevin Phillips missed from point blank range after Liam Ridgewell had knocked the ball down for Phillips to hit a half volley. The biggest talking point at half time however was James McFadden's disallowed goal that should have stood. McFadden had beaten the offside trap and went on to smash the ball home past keeper Wayne Hennessey only to see the linesman's flag go up.

Just before the break Nicky Hunt limped off with a hamstring problem which left McLeish with no other option but to bring on Medhi Nafti at an unfamiliar right back position. At the break McLeish made his second substitution as Phillips wasn't able to continue due to fitness reasons.

His replacement broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half as a hopefull ball up field from Quashie saw Jerome use his pace to get in behind Stearman and send Hennessey the wrong way. The travelling Blues fans went wild as Blues now had a lead to protect throughout the remainder of the game.

Inevitably Wolves came back at Blues in search of an equaliser but the Blues back line stood tall with a very professional look about Radhi Jaidi, Ridgewell and Franck Queudrue at the heart of the Blues defence. Maik Taylor also played his part in keeping the home side out.

On 74 however Blues hearts were broken as the evergreen Jaidi made his only mistake of the game which cost Blues all three points. Stephen Ward broke down the left hand side cutting in as he went past Nafti at right back. As he broke into the box his touch had looked to have giving Jaidi the chance the clear the ball away but it was miss judged by the big centre half which allowed Ward to cross to Ebanks-Blake who neatly finished low towards the far post.

Wolves could now smell the comeback as Blues really had to dig in deep and earn their money to prevent what would have been a disastrous winner for the home side. Maik Taylor especially who produced a flying save with two minutes to go, preventing Sam Vokes from scoring.

In injury time McLeish threw Quincy into battle for Marcus Bent but only to waste some precious seconds as Wolves pilled on the pressure. The lads stood firm however in what McLeish described as two points lost rather than a point gained.

This keeps Blues in the hunt for that all important top spot as they will now host Watford next Saturday at St Andrews while rivals Wolves travel to QPR.

Blues trio fit for trip to Wolves

Blues boss Alex McLeish can confirm that all three players who picked up injuries on Tuesday night against Ipswich are fully fit and ready for the midlands derby against Wolves tomorrow.

Skipper Lee Carsley, Franck Queudrue and Nigel Quashie were all taken off against the Tractor Boys in midweek but after a period of rest and treatment they now travel with the squad to the Molineux

"The three injured players are good," said McLeish.

"They all trained on Thursday and the 24 hours recovery was fine for them and they're all ready to go and available for selection."

The only players that McLeish is now without are Gary O'Connor, Damien Johnson and Stephen Kelly.

The big match build-up

Blues travel to the Molineux on Saturday afternoon in what should be a nail bitting affair between two highflying midlands sides!

Here's a video for all you Bluenoses to get you in the mood...

BLUES 2-1 Ipswich

BLUES hold out for all three points to keep the pressure on their promotion rivals as two early strikes from Liam Ridgwell and Kevin Phillips were enough to seal the win.

Blues have now opened up a six point gap between third place Reading as they could only draw at Cardiff. Wolves continue their good form at Sheffield United winning 3-1.

Blues started where they left off on Friday against Swansea with pressure from the beginning. Kevin Phillips had a goal disallowed only five minutes in as he was caught offside, but moments later Ridgwell produced a great shot from six yards out straight into the top right hand corner to put his side ahead.

A rampant Blues had only five minutes to wait before they doubled their advantage through Phillips. Seb Larsson made a great run down the right from the half-way line to cross in a perfect ball which was met by Phillips who found a yard of space to guide his header past keeper Richard Wright.

Despite Ipswich not having a single shot on target throughout the first half, Blues were dealt a major blow after 28 minutes when skipper Lee Carsley was forced to leave the field of play with what appeared to be a muscle strain. He was replaced by Mehdi Nafti.

In the second half Ipswich came at Blues and started to cause some real problems. Only three minutes after the restart the Tractor Boys had a great chance to pull one back as a right wing corner was headed agonisingly wide by skipper Richard Naylor.

After Blues weathered the early Ipswich storm it was the cross bar that was the difference between Blues scoring again. James McFadden played a great ball through to the overlapping Franck Queudrue on the left. The French full-back used his skill to leave his marker but his shot smashed against the bar.

Blues suffered their second injury of the game on 65 minutes when Nigel Quashie limped off after going into a tackle. Kemy Agustien was on hand to replace him in the centre of midfield. Alex McLeish made his third and final substitution bringing off Queudrue for David Murphy who has recovered from his injury.

On 84, against the run of play Ipswich bought one back through centre half Alex Bruce as he headed in from a corner. However Ipswich failed to complete the comeback as the Blues backline stood strong.

Blues now travel to the Molineux on Saturday in good spirits looking to close the gap on the leaders.

BLUES v Ipswich preview

McLeish's men go into tonights clash with Ipswich looking for their third straight win after two 3-2 thrillers against Charlton and Swansea.

Back to back wins for the Blues has opened up a gap of four points between third place Reading, however they still trail midlands rivals Wolves by six.

Both Reading and Wolves are also in action tonight. Reading go away to Cardiff while Wolves travel to in form Sheffield United. This means that with promotion rivals facing tough tests away from home it is vital that points aren't dropped tonight at St Andrews.


Nigel Quashie comes back into contention after serving a one match ban against Swansea on Friday. The West Ham midfielder signed a loan extension on Monday that will keep him at the club until December 28th.

Stuart Parnaby has recovered from a hamstring injury but will not feature in tonights game as he seeks to regain match fitness for the trip to Wolves on Saturday. McLeish is still without Damien Johnson, Gary O'Connor, Gary McSheffrey and Stephen Kelly for tonights game.

For Ipswich, on loan defender Moritz Volz is available for selection after serving his suspension. Former Blues defender Alex Bruce is expected to keep his place at the heart of the Ipswich defence with skipper Gareth McAuley back in the squad after he has recovered from a hamstring problem. Midfielder David Norris misses the game because of a dead leg.

"We've got to build on the last two results," said McLeish, "we've certainly liked to do it the hard way over the last couple of weeks."

McLeish also added: "We have now go to take this spirit and character that the side has shown into the Ipswich game and hopefully we can see the performance levels go up considerably."

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton believes the key will be to silence the home crowd and play their own game, "Birmingham are a very good side, they have Premiership experience and everything suggests a home win."

"My players are relishing the challenge. Birmingham are a team you would expect to be at the top of the table and they have shown that."

Tonights game is huge for Blues in terms of picking up all three points to keep the pressure on their rivals. An early goal or two will surely ease the nervs of the Blues faithful and allow the team to enjoy thier football. McLeish's mean can't afford to be complacent however.

MATCH ODDS

BLUES 17/20 DRAW 5/2 Ipswich 10/3

Swansea 2-3 BLUES

'Super Kev' to the rescue again for Blues as a late brace from the substitute earns McLeish's men all three points at the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea suffered their first home league defeat of the season down to pure determination and desire not to give up.

Twice Blues came from behind to win the game, first when Marcus Bent grabbed an equaliser just before half time with a header at the back post after a great cross from on loan full back Nicky Hunt. Phillips was the difference when he came off the bench as he sealed a quick fire double to send Blues fans wild.

Blues were simply battered throughout the first half in which Swansea certainly deserved their lead. Jordi Gomez gave the home side the lead after one minute and 50 seconds as he smashed home from close range unmarked at the back post.

Despite Blues beginning to get a foothold back in the game, Swansea continued to press forcing a great point blank save from Maik Taylor before Gorka Pintado saw his towering header come back off the post.

With only 3 minutes left to play in the first half Blues got the equaliser against the run of play when Hunt found space down the right hand side who put in a great cross for Bent to score at the far post. This was cancelled out three minutes into first half injury time when Angel Rangel fired the ball hard and low into the penalty area which deflected off Liam Ridgewell to make its way over the line despite the last ditch efforts of Hunt to clear.

When the second half got under way Blues looked to be the better side as they finally managed to get the ball down and play some football. Blues were enjoying much more of the possession and were urged on by the 700 travelling supporters from the Midlands.

James McFadden had the first real chance to put the Blues back level as he went through but slipped at the vital moment in which he looked certain to score. Seb Larsson also went close with an attempted volley but saw his shot go wide.

McLeish decided to change things up in the midfield area as he bought Phillips on for Quincy. This saw McFadden move over the left hand side and Phillips partner Bent up top. Kemy Agustien was also introduced minutes later as he was bought on for Mehdi Nafti.

This inspired Blues as Swansea also lost two key players in the midfield. On 74 the super sub put Blues back level. Agustien found McFadden down the left hand side who whipped in a cross straight to the head of Phillips from a standing position. Phillips was mobbed by his teams mates after scoring his seventh goal of the campaign which put the Blues back on level terms for the second time in the game.

Only five minutes later super Kev put the travelling Blues fans in ecstacy. Bent rolled a short pass to Phillips who turned and produced a strike fitting to win any game leaving the Swansea keeper with no chance into the far corner.

This meant a nervy last 10 minutes for Blues but their defence stood tall. Another tremendous comeback from the boys shows the spirit and determination amongst the side and now closes the gap at the top of the Championship to three. Blues' first win on their travels in five now puts the pressure on their promotion rivals Wolves and Reading who play tomorrow afternoon.

Attendance: 16,956 (705) BLUES FANS

Swansea V BLUES preview

BLUES face a tough test tonight as they travel to South Wales in search of another three points at the expense of Swansea City at The Liberty Stadium.

Boss Alex McLeish will be looking for another performance from his boys that saw a great second half come back against Charlton as the Blues get the chance to close the gap at the top of the Championship on midlands rivals Wolves.

Nigel Qaushie who was sent off in that win over the Addicks is suspended for tonight's game however David Murphy is pushing for a start after recovering from a knee injury. Franck Queudrue's excellent form at present may keep the Scottish full back on the bench however.

Blues will also be without Gary O'Connor, Damien Johnson, Stephen Kelly, Stuart Parnaby and Gary McSheffrey for the trip to Wales.

For Swansea, former Blues full back Marcos Painter will miss the game as he recovers from knee surgery however goalkeeper Dorus de Vries is back into contention after recovering from a fractured jaw.

"Birmingham have got the strongest squad in the division without doubt," said Swansea boss Roberto Martinez, "They are a Premier League side playing in the Championship this season, and while this doesn't garantee you anything, it really helps."

Blues boss Alex McLeish said: "We have to be mindful going to places like Swansea in terms of aspirations of the Premier League we've got to go looking to win."

"We've been dissapointing on our travels recently but we've got to be looking to go and win the game."

MATCH ODDS

Swansea 6/4 Draw 23/10 BLUES 7/4

A 1-0 win for the BLUES is priced at an attractive 13/2 and if you fancy the same scoreline with James McFadden to score you can get around 40/1.

Visit BET 365 for more odds.

NO tickets left for trip to Swansea

BIRMINGHAM City can confirm that there are now no tickets available for tonight's Championship game at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

Travel coaches will be leaving St Andrews at 3pm from the visitors car park.

McLeish confirms Fahey interest!

BLUES boss Alex McLeish has confirmed his interest in attacking midfielder Keith Fahey who currently applies his trade with FAI League of Ireland Premier Division side, St Patrick's.

The 25 year-old Irish man is well known for his free-kicks, corners and attacking flair from the centre of midfield. He was recently named PFAI Premier Division Player of the Year 2008 at the Association's annual award ceremony.

He began his professional career at Arsenal as a youngster before moving up to the Midlands to Aston Villa for £250,000 where his only appearance came in the Intertoto Cup against Lille before he moved back to his home country.

"We have made inquiries about him now," he said, "at this stage I do not like to say how optimistic or pessimistic I am."

The boss went on to stress: "when I have got something to say I'll let you know. He's had a good season at St Pats and he looks a decent player."

The good old days

Here's a look back for all you bluenoses at the thrills of last season home and away.

Including the legend that it is Mikael Forssell and Mauro Zarate..

BLUES 3-2 Charlton

FRANCK Queudrue's first goal for Blues secured a thrilling second half comeback at St Andrews to earn McLeish's men all three vital points.

The frenchman scored what proved to be the winner only nine minutes into the second half as Blues held on despite going down to ten men after Nigel Quashie was shown a second yellow card with half an hour left to play.

The afternoon started perfectly for Blues when James McFadden produced a moment of magic to score past keeper Nicky Weaver. However the Addicks did hit back before the break to stun the 20,000 plus crowd through Hameur Bouazza and Andy Gray.

McLeish had made two changes to his side that drew at Forest last weekend. Kevin Phillips was recalled to the starting 11 to partner Marcus Bent up top for the first time this season. The other change was bringing Queudrue back into the team after recovering from an illness. Both players scoring in the second half to clinch a much needed victory to the relief of the home faithful.

It was Phillips who put Blues back level only five minutes into the second half on his 500th career appearance. A hopeful ball into the box by David Murphy saw Weaver make an absolute mess as he slipped to present Phillips with a routine header to the opposite corner.

Blues could now feel the come back was on and only five minutes after the equaliser it was Murphy again showing his skill inside the box as his shot was punched straight into the path of Queudrue who slotted the ball home to seal the win in front of the Tilton Road End.

After Blues were reduced to ten men Seb Larsson seemed to have a shout for a penalty but it was waved away by referee Keith Hill. Charlton did push for an equaliser late on as they tried their luck on several occasions but with saves from Maik Taylor Blues held on for a deserved victory despite going about it the hard way.

BLUES v Charlton preview

McLeish's men are determined to get back to winning ways against Charlton Athletic at St Andrews tomorrow afternoon. Here is all you need to know ahead of the big game...

Blues go into the game without several key players including Gary O'Connor (groin) Stephen Kelly (thigh) Stuart Parnaby (hamstring) David Murphy (knee) Gary McSheffrey (knee) and Damien Johnson (back)

However McLeish does welcome back Franck Queudrue who missed the game at Forest through an illness and Liam Ridgewell who missed training yesterday due to a head cold.

For Charlton, Alan Pardew looks set to name a similar 16 to the squad that performed well at the weekend in thier 2-2 draw at Plymouth. On the injury front Pardew looks to be without striker Chris Dickson who picked up a knee injury at Home Park and fellow strike partner Luke Varney who is also struggling after picking up a knock in training this week.

Alex McLeish: "At the end of the day we've been in a little bit of a rut over the last three games and our momentum has been savaged by injury but we've got to get back on track and we've got to be in Charlton's faces and make it as difficult as possible for them as we can."

All three points are vital for Blues tomorrow who find themselves on a three match winless streak at present. Players and manager are still confident in their ability as despite Wolves going six points clear at the top, Blues are still in a fantastic position.

Charlton on the other hand find themselves at the wrong end of the table after a dissapointing start to the campaign. Their point at Plymouth did move them out of the relegation zone but they are still seeking their first league win in seven games.

Match Odds:

BLUES 8/13 DRAW 13/5 CHARLTON 5/1

Kevin Phillips to open the scoring is rated at 9/2
Blues to win 1-0 or 2-0 is a 6/1 shot and to win 3-0 is an attractive 11/1

Check out more odds at BET 365

Gary McSheffrey a sky blue target

Coventry City boss Chris Coleman has revealed that Gary McSheffrey is still on his wanted list and will do his upmost to sign the striker when he returns from injury.

"Gary has been on our radar now for some time."

McSeffrey moved to Blues from Coventry in 2006 but since then has slipped down the pecking order due to the amount of quality in form strikers Alex McLeish has to work with. McLeish looks set to let the striker go on loan.

"He's a big favourite with the fans, but if i'm honest i've not got a lot of players, I've got lists!"

BLUES injury update

Blues boss Alex McLeish has today shed some light on the injury front going into Saturday's home clash against Charlton.

While Stephen Kelly has suffered a set back with his thigh injury there is positive news for the other injured players.

Franck Queudrue has recovered from the stomach bug he picked up which kept him out of last weekends derby clash at Forest and despite Liam Ridgewell suffering with a head cold he is also expected to be recovered for the visit of Charlton.

David Murphy played half a game for the reserves earlier this week however McLeish indicated that it would be too early to throw him back into the team after knee trouble.

In terms of Garry O'Connor and Stuart Parnaby they are weeks away rather than days even though they have began some light running. McLeish also spoke of the continuing progress of Gary McSheffrey and Damien Johnson.

"Gary McSheffrey is still on the treatment table but he is going to step things up a wee bit at the start of next week."

"Damien Johnson has been back training with us this week of course but he'll need reserve games and we'll take it step by step because he's been out a while and it was a big operation."

BLUES slash ticket prices for Charlton game!

After only one point from a possible nine in the last three games for Blues it is vital that we get behind the boys this Saturday afternoon at St Andrews against Charlton Athletic.

The board have offered all Blues fans a one off special offer to watch the game on Saturday priced at just £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £5 Under 12's, anywhere in the ground.

The Birmingham City ticket office believe that tickets will sell fast at such low prices so to avoid dissapointment please visit the ticket office at St Andrews or call to book by calling, 0844 557 1875 option 2.

It is also advisable that if you are buying tickets on the day to begin queuing 2 hours before kick off to avoid busy periods.

BLUES v Charlton - Coca Cola Championship - Saturday 15th K.O 3:00pm

Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 BLUES

Another dissapointing away day for Blues as a second half header from James Perch gave Nottingham Forest a share of the spoils at The City Ground.

3,152 Blues fans turned out for the midlands derby and got behind the boys from start to finish but despite James McFadden giving the travelling fans something to cheer about in the 13th minute it was the Forest fans going home the happier.

Blues boss Alex McLeish made several changes to the side that was beat 0-1 at St Andrews on Monday night, giving Marcus Bent his first start of the season and pushing the ever present Liam Ridgewell over to left back in place of Franck Quedrue who went down ill overnight. There was also a first start for on loan midfielder Nigel Quashie.

Blues started the brightest of the sides as it only took two minutes for Kemy Agustien to flash a left-footed half volley wide of the target from the left hand side of the area.

10 minutes later Blues were ahead. A Seb Larsson free kick was only half cleared towards the edge of the box which fell to Marcus Bent who flicked over a sublime ball to carve open the Forest defence where McFadden took the ball round keep Lee Camp before slotting the ball home from an accute angle.

Blues grew in confidence after the goal and began to produce the football the Blues fans crave with McFadden at the heart of the attacking display but the home side did pick up the momentum and on 40, Joe Garner's header from 14 yards out was thankfully held onto by Maik Taylor in the Blues goal.

There were no changes at the break for either side and with only seven minutes gone Forest were back on level terms when James Perch headed low at the back post as the Blues failed to clear their lines. This gave the home side the edge as they went on to dominant the second half in which Radhi Jaidi was lucky not to see red.

McLeish had strength on the bench and used it by bringing on Cameron Jerome and Kevin Phillips but it was Forest who had the majority of chances with Blues occasionlly hitting Forest on the break. Nathan Tyson arguablly had the best chance to land the killer blow to the visitors as he ghosted in behind the Blues defence, chesting the ball down only to see his effort go narrowly wide of the mark.

Elsewhere in the Championship results went against the Blues as Wolves opened up a six point lead at the top with a 2-0 home win over Burnley, but Blues stay second despite wins for Reading and Sheffield United. Blues now host Charlton next Saturday afternoon at St Andrews in what looks to be a must win game for McLeish's men.

BLUES LEGENDS

Here is a small tribute to some of the BLUES legends we have produced at St Andrews over the year's...

BLUES 0-1 Coventry

BLUES old boy Clinton Morrison came back to haunt his old club last night as his 53rd minute header dealt a set back to Blues' promotion campaign at St Andrews.

Morrison's header was turned in after Blues failed to deal with the corner which left McLeish's men defeated for the second time in less than a week.

Blues started the brightest of the sides as it only took 30 seconds for Cameron Jerome to unleash a snapshot which fell straight into the arms of keeper, Kieran Westwood. Despite the early possession Coventry did work their way back into the game with a header from Leon Best which Maik Taylor was equal to and a shot blasted off Taylor's bar from only eight yards out by ex-employee Morrison.

After the break there were no signs of the pace of the game letting up as it was Cameron Jerome who went through again only 3 minutes after the restart, however to see his strike from 10 yards blaze over.

Although Blues were attacking very dangerously in search of the opener Coventry continued to have a very good go at the home side and got their rewards as Morrison broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Coventry won a right hand corner against the Tilton Road End. Midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin flicked the corner on which was met by Morrison who found a yard of space and made no mistake inside the six yard box heading the ball into the top corner.

Blues almost immediately made amends when Liam Ridgwell saw his header clawed off the line by Westwood which fell to Kevin Phillips who also lacked accuracy as his effort smashed against the post. Westwood continued to impress in the Coventry goal as he kept James McFadden and Phillips out with 20 minutes remaining.

As the game entered its closing stages Blues looked to have rescued a point as Franck Queudrue seemed to have scrambled the ball over the line but the assistant referee didn't think so and play continued. Blues had one more final chance deep into injury time but Seb Larsson couldn't keep his composure as he blasted over from close range.

Blues must bounce back now as they travel to Nottingham Forest currently sitting 23rd in the Championship on Saturday afternoon in what will certainly prove to be another tense midlands derby.

BLUES v Coventry preview

After a dissapointing defeat in London to Queens Park Rangers last tuesday night Alex McLeish will be looking for a return to form as they host midlands rivals Coventry at St Andrews tonight.

With promotion rivals Wolves and Reading both winning on Saturday, tonights game becomes all the more important in terms of grinding out another 3 points.

New loan signing Nicky Hunt looks set to go straight into the starting 11 while Seb Larsson and Rahdi Jaidi are both back into the 16 man squad after over comming their respective injuries. However in form Gary O'Connor will miss the clash with a groin problem along with David Murphy (knee) Stuart Parnaby (hamstring) Stephen Kelly (thigh) Gary McSheffrey (knee) and Damien Johnson (back).

In terms of the visitors they will be without striker Leon McKenzie with a tigh injury along with Stephen Wright and Jay Tabb who are both doubts for the clash.

Blues currently sit second in the championship 4 points behind Wolves with a game in hand and although Blues have taken 10 points from their last 5 games tonights midlands derby could prove to be a potential banana skin. "Coventry will be up for it and will come here hoping to cause an upset," said McLeish. "We need to give them respect and this means that every one of our players has to play to his best level."

MATCH ODDS

BLUES 8/13 DRAW 13/5 COVENTRY 5/1

McLeish looks for positive reaction