McLeish: So far so good

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Alex McLeish saluted a 'very satisfying' three points for Birmingham City as Barnsley boss Simon Davey was left to rue basic errors.

Birmingham maintained their 100 per cent start to the Championship campaign as Kevin Phillips and Garry O'Connor scored first-half goals at St Andrews.

With Blues among the favourites for promotion to the Premier League, manager McLeish admits he can not demand any more from his squad at present.

"It was a very satisfying three points. We knew that there would be some pressure on us playing at home," said McLeish.

More to come

"But the players were able to deal with that and it is good that we have been able to keep our momentum going.

"Barnsley did make it difficult for us at times and they had a couple of chances, but the defence did well and Maik Taylor did a great job in goal.

"In terms of the points we have picked up I can't ask any more from the players than to have collected maximum points.

"But I do think that there is still more to come from us and that we can get better."

Barnsley are still without a point this season and Tykes boss Davey outlined the importance of next week's game with struggling Derby.

Silly basic errors

Davey said: "This is the first time that I have lost four games in a row and it has got to stop now.

"Silly basic errors are costing us and that is why we were behind at half-time.

"We had chances, but we didn't take them and that has to change. We are just not converting them when they come along and if that happens things become a struggle.

"Goals change games and the fact that Birmingham scored their second just before half-time changed the game.

"We have now got a massive home game coming up against Derby County next weekend.

"We have got to get three points. The players know that. We know that as staff and the supporters know that. That work begins on Monday morning."