Birmingham City sunk to within just four points of the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone with a narrow 1-0 defeat away at local rivals West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon. Andreas Weimann's 85th-minute tap-in was enough to claim all three points for the Baggies at the end of what was a classic cagey derby affair at The Hawthorns.
Birmingham certainly didn't dominate possession as Mowbray would've hoped but the manager will be impressed with his team's high press and bravery throughout much of the game. West Brom had to resort to floating crosses into the box, most of which were headed away superbly by either Kevin Long or Krystian Bielik.
The first half saw the odd half chance, including an early long-range sighter from Jay Stansfield and a low shot dragged wide by new signing Andre Dozzell. The Baggies had the best opportunity to score in the initial 45, though, as Jed Wallace struck from inside the Blues box but was unable to generate enough power. Alex Palmer had a brief scare down the other end as Ivan Sunjic took aim and the Albion goalkeeper failed to keep ahold of the shot, nearly spilling it into his own net before readjusting to claim.
West Brom had a glorious opening to take the lead early in the second period as Tom Fellows hung a cross up into the six-yard box but Alex Mowatt completely misjudged the flight of the ball, heading wide of the post. Brandon Thomas-Asante then had a decent chance as he met a deep John Swift corner on the volley but saw his strike sail over the crossbar.
Blues went agonisingly close to taking a dramatic lead in the 70th minute as central defender Long flicked on an Andre Dozzell corner but saw his attempt rebound off the inside of the left post. Palmer reacted quickest to the loose ball, gratefully clutching it to his chest.
Albion inflicted the killer blow to Birmingham pretty much out of nowhere as substitute and winter signing Weimann made a dangerous run at the near post to convert from a Darnell Furlong cross. The experienced attacker was allowed too much freedom to tap in by Krystian Bielik, while Ethan Laird left Furlong space to put the delivery into the danger area.
Mowbray's side pressed on for an equaliser afterward but just one chance was formed – for Laird. The versatile full-back was found just inside the area but he couldn't convert, shooting straight at Palmer. Here are our Birmingham player ratings as West Brom come out on top at The Hawthorns.
1. Neil Etheridge - 5
Couldn’t do much about Weimann’s goal as it was at close range. Assured in the first half to make some simple stops. Left a little to be desired with his distribution.
2. Ethan Laird - 5
Caught out of position for West Brom’s goal as Furlong was allowed an easy cross. Did look dangerous going forward but missed a brilliant chance to equalise late on, shooting straight at Palmer.
3. Kevin Long - 7
Such a brave display as he threw himself at everything, heading countless crosses away and making some key blocks – including two in quick succession to deny Thomas-Asante. So unlucky not to score, too, as his flick hit the post.
4. Krystian Bielik - 5
Should’ve done better for the goal as he allowed Weimann across too easily. Stepped up effectively to press in midfield when West Brom had the ball in their own half. Tried too hard to force things, however, by playing unnecessary long balls that led to nothing. Booked for pulling Wallace to the ground.