West Brom’s winless run in the Midlands Derby continued as Birmingham City came from behind to win 3-1 at St Andrew’s in the EFL Championship.
John Swift gave the Baggies a fifth minute lead, but following a controversial decision to award Blues a penalty, Carlos Corberan’s side lost their way.
Juninho Bacuna scored after Cedric Kipre was adjudged to have fouled Riyo Moyishi, and then Dion Sanderson put John Eustace’s side in front.
To compound West Brom’s misery, former Aston Villa man Gary Gardner came off the bench to score a free-kick and ensured another defeat in the derby.
The visitors got off to a Swift start as John opened the scoring with his sixth shot on seven on target. He was found on the space of the area and with no one near him, he curled a shot off the post, and in behind John Ruddy.
Birmingham got back on level terms in controversial fashion. Cedric Kipre was adjudged to have fouled Miyoshi in the box, and despite minimal appeals it was awarded. Bacuna stepped forward and sent the goalkeeper Alex Palmer the wrong way.
West Brom then fell went behind as former Wolves man Dion Sanderson rubbed salt into the Albions wounds. An inventive corner-kick came in, and then Sanderson pulled away from Erik Pieters and Kipre to loop a header home from Cody Drameh’s cross.
In the second-half, West Brom squandered the chance to get level. Matt Phillips found Darnell Furlong in space, but he was missing with the finish, as he slid his effort just past the post.
Birmingham secured all three point in the last five minutes as West Brom rued their missed chances. Kipre fouled Scott Hogan, and that allowed Gardner from 20-yards to lift his free-kick over the wall and past Palmer.
Here’s how the West Brom players fared in their 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrews:
1. Alex Palmer - 6
Nothing he could really do about the penalty, as they’re a lottery. Sanderson’s goal he could have been helped out by his defenders. Brilliant save from Sunjic mind. Photo: Getty Images
2. Darnell Furlong - 5
A real good chance to get the Baggies back on level terms. Didn’t take it though, and lived to regret it. Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
3. Kyle Bartley - 5
A few good blocks here and there. He was probably the best out of the centre-backs that played. Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
4. Cedric Kipre - 4
Really unfortunate with the penalty, given how harsh the decision was. He was caught out of position a few times after that, and didn’t track Sanderson. Night compounded by a yellow card from a foul that led to the goal. Miserable night for him. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images