Game Report: Birmingham City 1-0 Swansea City

A Scott Hogan penalty in second half stoppage time resulted in the only goal of the game as Birmingham City beat Swansea City Friday evening.

That was the Blues’ second penalty attempt of the game: a Lukas Jutkiewicz spot kick was stopped by Swansea keeper Freddy Woodman in the first half. Overall, Birmingham dominated the game, outshooting the Swans 7-3. All three Swansea shots were on target though, but Blues netminder Neil Etheridge came up with solid saves on all three. Three of the Birmingham shots were also on goal.

The winning penalty came after Swansea substitute Yan Dhanda, who had just had a free kick saved, brought down Ivan Sunjic in the penalty area. The PK call was obvious and immediate and Hogan was not going to waste the second chance at a much-needed win.

The win is new Blues manager Lee Bowyer’s second in three games, and both wins have come against promotion-chasing teams. Swansea sit in 4th place currently, but only on goal difference. With the win Birmingham continues its slow climb up the table, now sitting in 20th place, two spots clear of relegation. However, both Coventry City and Rotherham United below them still have games in hand. Five games left for the Blues this season; it will be a nail-biting finish.