Two goals in seven second-half minutes from Birmingham winger Ian Rodgerson killed off Fulham at St. Andrews’ this afternoon.
The Blues, fielding a four-man forward line, carried too much firepower for the managerless Cottagers despite Gary Brazil’s brave attempts to launch a late fightback. The Whites were thwarted by a fine debut from City’s on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Alan Miller who made a series of superb saves after being drafted into the starting line-up after Martyn Thomas was ruled out with a damaged knee.
Miller made a magnificent double save to deny Simon Morgan and Sean Farrell in the seventh minute and his agility prevented the visitors from profiting from a purposeful start. Birmingham took the lead seven minutes before half-time arguably against the run of play when left back John Frain’s cross was headed back across goal by John Paskin and Nigel Gleghorn guided in his fifteenth goal of the campaign from close range.
The Blues kept pushing after the interval and were eventually rewarded eighteen minutes from the end when Rodgerson roamed from the right flank and scored at the second attempt – following up after his rasping drive had been superbly saved by Jim Stannard. The home faithful were still celebrating their side’s second when Brazil capitalised on a bad mistake from Trevor Matthewson to bring Fulham back into it with a low shot, but Rodgerson wrapped up the points with a fierce drive that ensured City went back to the top of the table.
BIRMINGHAM CITY: Miller; Mardon, Frain, Clarkson, Matthewson, Peer, Tait, Rodgerson, Paskin, Gleghorn, Sturridge.
GOALS: Gleghorn (38), Rodgerson (72, 79).
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, Finch, G. Thomas, Pike (Onwere 69), Marshall, Morgan, Newson, Scott (Haag 83), Brazil, Farrell.
BOOKED: Onwere.
GOAL: Brazil (73).
REFEREE: Alan Flood (Stockport).
ATTENDANCE: 8,877.
