Birmingham 2-1 Middlesbrough: Odin Bailey scores first professional goal as Blues end losing run

Birmham vs Mboro
Sky Bet Chboat
7:45pm Friday 4th October

St. Andrews Stadium
(Att: 19703)

Odin Baileys first goal earned Birmingham a dramatic 2-1 win at St Andrew to finish a three-match losing series.
Rampant facing goal from the very first whistle, the Blues took the lead when Fran Villalba swept home his first goal for the team (33), but they could have been from sight by the rest were it not for the inspired performance of Boro goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
A pulsating encounter throughout, there was excellent drama in the final three minutes as Dani Ayala bundled Britt Assombalongas cross home at the far post (87).
But the men of Pep Clotet restored their lead inside 120 moments when Bailey led Dan Crowley cross over the line to leave the visitors win of the year.
Given their current run of defeats, it was natural to the Blues to come out all firearms in order to avenge them into a reaction cease, Randolph had been compelled by Villalba inside three minutes after meeting Maxime Colins cross.
It was the first of a series of saves including two where he needed to tip goal-bound clearances from his own team-mates: Ryan Shotton and Dael Fry.
Full-back Colin was active on the ideal flank and provided the help for the opening goal, locating the lively Villalba that the ex-Valencia midfielder powerfully sailed to the bottom right corner.
The pressure continued to build and Randolph was left red-faced on the stroke of half-time when he went close to falling Harlee Deans second header, with Kristian Pedersen heading on the underside of the bar soon after.
When Paddy McNairs cross was palmed apparent of the six-yard box woodgates men called Lee Camp into action with around 20 minutes to perform and did improve following the break, however it was in similar situation they equalised late .
Defender Harlee Dean was caught in possession by Britt Assombalonga, that dinked a cross into the far pole, permitting Ayala to package home and, apparently, leave the hosts to rue missed chances.
However, Bailey – that was in the club since joining as an U7 – reacted fastest to the cross Randolph of nod Crowley at the far post to ensure the success for Birmingham.
Birmingham manager Pep Clotet:Today I believe we managed to join a performance with a result in the manner that we wish to. Like I said before the game, our performances have been good lately and today is another good performance.
It is very important for all of us to place that performance we had in away games – even though we werent getting the results in front of our fans. I think our fans had been immense and helped us because we fought in periods. I am so happy because all was combined.
Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate:We did not play well whatsoever. Randolph was outstanding, although they appeared to be winning at few in half-time. Secondly we got back to the match – that is the Championship for you, although dont ask me how we put back to it .
Im frustrated that we surrendered that last goal, very frustrated. Listen, weve got a break now and then we proceed to another game.
The 2nd break of the season means there is no Sky Bet Championship action next weekend back in action. Both sides have been in action on the Saturday: Birmingham travel to Elland Road together with Middlesbrough.