Andy Munro reports on Blues’ 3-0 win at home to Preston.
Nobody thought this would be easym and it wasn’t early on as Blues had to battle for ascendancy. In truth, Preston looked limited in the flair department but chased and harried like men possessed as befitted a side with such a long unbeaten record.
Jutkiewicz and Adams caused problems but behind them the midfield and defence didn’t get a moment’s piece from an energetic opposition and, at half time, a draw or odd goal win looked odds on.
However, all that changed when Declan Rudd made a mistake of Peter Enckelman proportions when he allowed a gentle effort (if you could even call it that) bobble past him into the net. This signalled a spell of sustained pressure from a Blues side anxious to build on the advantage although, at the time, worryingly chances went begging with Maghoma and Deane the chief culprits.
However, Blues at last got that vital second goal thanks to a tremendous tackle from Gary Gardner breaking up play and when the ball reached Maghoma he chested it down and swivelled in one move to sublimely slot home. Equally good was Blues’ third when Che Adams powered his way a la against Millwall, down the flank to hammer the ball home from an acute angle.
We’re back up and running while keeping another clean sheet – and that’s without the imminent return of Jota and Vassell. These could be exciting times but just let’s hope both Garry Monk and Che Adams are around to play their respective key roles by the time the January transfer window closes.
