Super sub Phillips rescues Blues

Wolves remain in relegation zone after derby drama at St Andrews

Last updated: 7th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Super sub Phillips rescues Blues

Phillips: Inspired substitute

Man of the Match: Kevin Phillips just beats Kevin Doyle to the award after his dramatic, match-winning introduction.

Goal of the Match: Phillips' second was the best of the bunch as the 36-year-old controlled Stephen Carr's cross on his chest and volleyed past Marcus Hahnemann in the blink of an eye.

Moment of the Match: Phillips' introduction in the 63rd minute. Tactically brilliant by Alex McLeish or just plain lucky?

Talking Point: Are Wolves going to be able to avoid relegation? How impressive was Phillips' contribution?

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Veteran striker Kevin Phillips rescued Birmingham as the substitute scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to earn a 2-1 win over Midlands rivals Wolves at St Andrews.

Blues boss Alex McLeish had been keen to point out in the build-up that his side's priority remained the need to avoid relegation, despite a lofty league position, and it appeared his concerns were justified after Kevin Doyle's first-half opener.

Birmingham had started with purpose to suggest that a return to the Championship is the least of their concerns, but they endured a frustrating afternoon prior to Phillips' dramatic introduction in the 63rd minute.

The 36-year-old demonstrated he has lost none of his predatory instincts 10 minutes before full-time as he volleyed in from close range after January signing and fellow substitute Craig Gardner had headed across the face of goal.

And five minutes later Phillips was again in the right place to maintain Birmingham's impressive home record as he converted a Stephen Carr cross to ensure a devastated Wolves remained in the Premier League relegation zone.

There was a minute of applause before the game in memory of former Blues player and manager Gil Merrick, who died earlier in the week aged 88 and rival goalkeepers Joe Hart and Marcus Hahnemann laid wreaths in the two goalmouths.

The home side were the first to settle and a superb pass from Barry Ferguson picked out the run of Lee Bowyer. However, the former England midfielder - who scored the winner in the match between the sides at Molineux earlier in the season - was denied a shooting opportunity by a fine tackle from Ronald Zubar.

Wolves midfielder Michael Mancienne blocked a close-range header from Cameron Jerome after Liam Ridgewell had turned James McFadden's corner back across goal.

Good forutne

Blues forced six corners in the first 15 minutes and, from one of them by Sebastian Larsson, Hahnemann blocked a close-range attempt by Jerome after the ball had bounced back across goal off Benitez.

Hart became the first player to be booked after 25 minutes for bringing down Doyle after the goalkeeper came racing out of his area.

Wolves came more into the game and made use of their extra man in midfield via a 4-5-1 formation - and Zubar wasted a great chance to put them in front after 32 minutes.

A free-kick from the left flank by Matt Jarvis found its way to the unmarked Zubar at the far post - but he sent his header back across goal when he should have at least tested Hart.

Jerome had a third opportunity when a dummy by Christian Benitez allowed him a run at goal but Hahnemann was able to block the low shot with his feet.

Scott Dann was only a couple of feet wide with a low shot on the turn after Hahnemann only half-punched clear Larsson's corner.

Kevin Foley volleyed straight at Hart from eight yards out before Doyle put Wolves ahead with his sixth goal of the campaign.

There was an element of good fortune as Jarvis' low centre hit Roger Johnson, ricocheted onto a post and fell perfectly for the striker to convert the rebound - but it was no more than the visitors deserved after overcoming a sticky start.

Impressive and composed

Wolves continued to look the more impressive and composed and Jarvis had a shot blocked after Mick McCarthy's side had failed to cash in on a three versus two numerical advantage on the counter-attack.

Doyle was making life uncomfortable for Johnson and shot into the side-netting after more good play.

Blues boss McLeish made his first substitution after 63 minutes with Phillips replacing Benitez, who was injured in a challenge by Hahnemann and eventually carried off.

Doyle continued to give the Birmingham defence headaches and Dann was booked for a challenge on the Republic of Ireland international.

Wolves newcomer Adlene Guedioura came on for Jones after 67 minutes and a minute later the ineffective Larsson made way for Blues' January capture Gardner. McLeish made his final change after 74 minutes with Keith Fahey replacing McFadden.

Hart got his body behind a shot from Foley and Guedioura was only a couple of feet too high with a 25-yard drive.

Jerome had a shot deflected wide as Blues tried to salvage a point - and then Phillips dramatically turned the game on its head.

With 10 minutes remaining he levelled from close range after Gardner had turned a Fahey centre back across goal.

And Phillips won it in the 85th minute when he chested down Carr's cross and beat Hahnemann with an angled drive into the corner of the net.

Birmingham CityTeam StatisticsWolverhampton Wanderers
2Goals1
01st Half Goals1
6Shots on Target4
7Shots off Target6
4Blocked Shots5
11Corners4
12Fouls18
6Offsides2
5Yellow Cards3
0Red Cards0
62Passing Success58.7
9Tackles19
88.9Tackles Success89.5
54.5Possession45.5
50.5Territorial Advantage49.5
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Comments (2)

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Mark Clayton (Birmingham City fan) says...

Great result ,grinding out a win when not playing well,marks out a good team .With a manager who will soon walk on water. Keep right on. Brummie abroad.

Posted 16:32 7th February 2010

Martin Bernier (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan) says...

Wolves played well but we are going no where except in the Championship next year. No player on the Wolves team, other than Doyle and Hahnemann, is good enough for this league (including the coach). Whether we get massacred or lose with some pride, bottom line: we always lose. This team is doomed, this coach is doomed

Posted 15:56 7th February 2010
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