Millers bested in the Second City...

Two first half goals proved too much to overcome as the Millers slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City at St. Andrew's. 

A fine solo goal from Reda Khadra and a strike from Kevin Long put the Blues in a strong position going into half time and despite a second half onslaught, Matt Taylor's men were unable to force themselves back into the game. 

The manager made one change from the starting XI that beat Queens Park Rangers last Saturday, with Lee Peltier coming back into the side to partner Cameron Humphreys in defence, replacing Bailey Wright, with new signing Tyler Blackett named among the substitutes. 

There was clear concern in the opening exchanges as Birmingham’s Tahith Chong worked his way into the Rotherham United box, before firing a ball across goal. Viktor Johansson’s typical quick reactions allowed the ‘keeper claim the ball, but at the expense of his shoulder as he collided with the post.

An early feeling-out process was cut short by Brighton-loanee Reda Khadra. The Blues’ ’17 characteristically cut inside before curling an effort into the far-post, out of the reach of an outstretched Johansson.

The home side appeared invigorated by their early lead as they continued to pile on the pressure. Tahith Chong found the ball fall kindly for him at an awkward angle in the Millers box, before opting to shoot. His strike was rocketed just over the bar from close range.

Matt Taylor’s men did appear to be edging closer to the leveller, as evidenced by Conor Coventry’s free-kick delivery from deep. The curling ball was met by a leaping Hakeem Odoffin, but he couldn’t direct his header towards goal.

Just as the Millers appeared to be growing into the game, the Blues’ Kevin Long took advantage of the pinball in the box to rifle a half-volley into the roof of the net from close range to double the home side’s lead.

HALF-TIME | BIRMINGHAM 2 v 0 ROTHERHAM

The duo of Jamie Lindsay and Conor Washington were introduced at the break in response to falling behind. The changes looked to pay dividends as Jamie Lindsay helped win a corner early in the second ’45. The resultant corner lead to a string of set-pieces, until the skipper Jordan Hugill was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box.

A chilly afternoon in Birmingham with spitting rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of a vocal travelling Millers’ contingent. A spell of pressure in favour of Rotherham put a spring in the step of the players and fans alike.

The home side looked to quieten the voices of the travelling fans as they looked to hit the Millers’ with a potent counter-attack. Reda Khadra found George Hall, but Johansson arrived off his line quick to sweep up the danger.

Deafening cries for a penalty were waved away by referee Geoff Eltringham. The Blues’ defender Auston Trusty appeared to pull the Millers’ skipper Jordan Hugill back and to the ground during a scramble for a corner.

Conor Washington was the next to come close as his effort, which nearly mirror that of Khadra’s opener, was palmed away by the veteran Ruddy.

Rotherham United looked a side possessed in the second half as they continued to ask questions of the Birmingham defence. The Millers sixth corner of the half came on the hour mark – this time headed away by a towering Birmingham shirt.

Momentum appeared to plateau for both teams as a physical battle in midfield raged on, with both sides looking for a foothold. John Eustace’s men nearly got just that as Scott Hogan chased down a loose ball heading slowly in the direction of Johansson. Both men put the jets on, but the presence of Harding pursuing right behind the Birmingham ‘9 perhaps helped as the Swede was able to clear his lines.

FULL-TIME | BIRMINGHAM 2 v 0 ROTHERHAM

Teams

Birmingham City – Ruddy ©, Colin, Trusty, Jutkiewicz, Dean, Khadra (Roberts 78’), Chong (Hogan 79’), Long, Bielik (James 32’), Hall (Mejbri 79’), Chang

Subs – Etheridge, Graham, Longelo.

Rotherham United – Johansson, Harding, Coventry (Kelly 64’), Fosu, Hugill ©, Ogbene, Ferguson (Bramall 63’), Peltier (Blackett 64’), Odoffin (Lindsay 45’), Humphreys, Hjelde (Washington 45’).

Subs – Vickers, Kioso.

Referee

Geoff Eltringham