Five-goal thriller at St Andrew’s gives Chris Davies a much-needed boost

Birmingham City claimed a 3-2 victory over local rivals  Coventry City at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead, ending a nine-match winless run in the league and giving hope to their promotion push.

The hosts started brightly, taking the lead after just six minutes through Marvin Ducksch. A precise pass from Paik Seung-Ho released Kai Wagner down the left, and his cross was met by Ducksch, who volleyed powerfully into the top corner past helpless goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.

Coventry equalised two minutes later. Josh Eccles found space 25 yards out and curled a fine effort into the bottom corner.

The Blues regained the advantage on 17 minutes. Patrick Roberts cut inside from the right and played a defence-splitting pass for Lewis Koumas, who rounded Rushworth and scored from a tight angle for his first goal of the season.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Ellis Simms levelled for Coventry on the hour with a low drive after a long ball caused problems. However, Ducksch restored Birmingham’s lead three minutes later, finishing neatly at the near post after another incisive Roberts assist.

Coventry pressed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, but defender Bobby Thomas received a straight red card in stoppage time. Birmingham’s defence stood firm to secure three valuable points.

The win lifts Chris Davies’s side after a difficult festive period, while Coventry remain in contention despite the late dismissal.