Game Report: Rotherham United 0-1 Birmingham City

Yet again Birmingham City left it late to secure the win in what was a crucial relegation battle for both teams.

The two clubs fought it out to a stalemate for almost 88 minutes before Birmingham captain Harley Dean found the back of the net with a headed effort.

Rotherham was playing its 4th game in 9 days, but did not look as tired as might be expected. They had the edge in possession (52%-48%), and outshot the Blues 17-14.

But of those 33 shots only 4 were on target – 2 each – and neither goalkeeper was really tested. But Viktor Johansson had almost no chance on Dean’s attempt, which was also slightly deflected by a defender.

With the win Birmingham are an impressive 4-1-1 under Lee Bowyer. They now have 48 points and jump two spots in the standings to 18th (pending Coventry City’s game later this morning).