Birmingham are up and running in the Championship after a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Phillips scores injury-time winner for title favourites
Birmingham are up and running in the Championship after a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Blues boss Alex McLeish left new signing Kevin Phillips out of his starting XI, but the veteran front-man stepped off the bench to grab an injury-time winner.
It was apparent from the off why the bookies have installed McLeish's men as favourites for the title this season as they came flying out of the blocks.
They were soon camped inside the Blades' half and James McFadden saw an early penalty shout waved away while Marcus Bent looked lively on his debut.
However, Kevin Blackwell's men slowly began to find their feet and tested Maik Taylor's reactions through a crisp Gary Speed volley on 12 minutes.
Billy Sharp was also proving to be more than a handful for the Blues defence, although he was well marshalled by Liam Ridgewell.
Flashes of brilliance from Scotland international McFadden continued to make Birmingham favourites to break the deadlock, but the opening period ended goalless.
Brighter
The hosts were the brighter once again after the break, with Gary McSheffrey seeing a well-struck effort blocked by Matthew Kilgallon.
The Blades centre-half was again called upon just before the hour-mark as he got a crucial toe to McSheffrey's clever cross to prevent Bent sneaking in at the back post.
McFadden then lifted a good chance over the bar as the Blues' frustration began to build, with United providing little in terms of attacking threat at the opposite end.
With the game seemingly set to end in stalemate Phillips then showed all his class as he held off the attentions of Chris Morgan inside the box before twisting to send a low drive past a helpless Paddy Kenny.
Both sides are expected to be among the promotion candidates come May, but it is Birmingham who have made the perfect start.
