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