Birmingham City 1-0 Leeds United

Written By: The Bluenose Bible

On the day of his first start since December, Hayden Mullins proved his critics wrong with a great performance to help guide Birmingham City to a 1-0 win over Leeds United.

The first half was evidence of good quality football that can be seen in the Football League with great attacking football on show from both sides, despite the hosts having the majority of possession.

Ravel Morrison took the game to Leeds early on and almost opened the scoring with a wonderful lobbed effort over Paddy Kenny that hit the crossbar from the edge of the box. Shane Ferguson also went close minutes later with a powerful shot just off target in a similar position to Morrison’s effort.

Jack Butland did have plenty to do, however, as Rodolph Austin and Michael Tonge had chances well saved by the England goalkeeper.

The final chance of the half fell to Mullins who, after a good piece of play by Nathan Redmond, failed to hit the target from ten yards out.

After the break Leeds came out the strongest as Ross McCormack’s free kick that clipped the crossbar clearly showed their intentions straight away.

Another chance was wasted ten minutes later by Sam Byram who couldn’t take advantage of Butland’s spill and only found the side netting from a tight angle.

But against the run of the second half play the host’s opened the scoring through Mullins with just twenty minutes remaining. Redmond took a powerful shot from the left which could only be parried into the holding midfielder’s path. Mullins stepped up and fired home his second of the season and secure another season in the Championship for The Blues.

Birmingham manager Lee Clark:

“I thought that the way Leeds were playing with a new manager I just wanted an older head to look after the likes of [Ross] McCormack and he [Hayden Mullins] did it well.

“I didn’t include Hayden to be the match winner but it was a good occasion to celebrate his 550th game.

“It was a terrific win so far as I am concerned. I’m delighted with the three points and a clean sheet.”

Leeds boss Brian McDermott:

“I thought we should have got something out of the game. When it was 0-0 we were on top and then they scored from nothing.

“When I arrived at the club I put my reputation on the line and to make sure Leeds remained in this division. So far as I am concerned it is job done.

“Everyone must be going in the same direction. If that occurs in this club you have a major chance.”

Man of the match: Hayden Mullins