ZIGIC NETS POINT

Nikola Zigic, a second-half substitute, proved to be the vital link for Birmingham city, with the giant striker helping them to net a point against Blackpool.

Birmingham have made a lot of progress in the League this season, despite struggling with a lot of financial issues. Thankfully, these financial issues have not prevented them from making an impression on the pitch.

They opened the scoring in the match against Blackpool after 29th minute through Marlon King, though their lead didn’t last long – Blackpool equalised through Crainey within two minutes.

They went in level going into the second half, with both teams struggling to create any clear-cut chances to break the deadlock. As the teams came out of the break, it was Blackpool who created the first opportunity and scored with Eardley in the 57th minute.

Blackpool held on going into the final few minutes of the match, and just when it looked like they might be able to contain Birmingham, the Blues struck back. Birmingham city manager Chris Hughton brought on the giant Nikola Zigic as a substitute late on in the second half. He proved to be the inspiration for Birmingham city, as he claimed a late equaliser for the Midlanders. He scored with 3 minutes of the normal time remaining.

Blackpool didn’t have time to muster a response, and the match finished level with both teams sharing the spoils. It keeps Birmingham in contention with Blackpool in the play-off position, although this result has allowed Cardiff to stretch their lead to 7 points.

It now seems extremely difficult for Blackpool to finish in the automatic promotion positions. Birmingham city, on the other hand, will be extremely happy with an opportunity to get into the play-off position given the struggles they had earlier in the season.

CALDWELL CONFIDENT

Steven Caldwell is quietly confident that Brimingham City can progress to the next stage of the Europa league, and has admitted he would be devastated if they crashed out now.

The Blues face Club Brugge for the second time this season knowing that a win will guarantee them a place in the knock-out stages of the draw. The omens are looking good – they have already beaten them once, and Brugge sacked their manager on Saturday night after a torrid 5-4 defeat to Genk.

Caldwell can’t wait. “It’s a crucial game. I am certainly looking forward to it. It’s been fantastic playing in Europe and I think it has actually helped our league form a lot, the confidence we’ve got from the results, especially the last two away from home.

“Back here hopefully it’s going to be full at St Andrew’s, or very near to full.

“I think it’s important we do well in it to push on with the league form. Hopefully we can get the victory and that will set us up nicely.”