Andy Munro watches Blues win. At home.

This was a game that was written in the stars for Blues to win, yet to do so they had to beat a Watford side brimming with Championship stars.

On the way to St Andrews, in comparison to the almost deserted streets of previous listless home games, it was like watching a 1930’s newsreel as an expectant crowd streamed towards the ground. Rowett had stuck with the side that performed so stoically against the Wolves and, whatever my personal opinion of players like Shinnie, respect to the manager to try and preserve some continuity and structure to the team. As it happens, Shinnie probably had his best game in a Birmingham shirt despite missing a couple of gilt-edged chances.

It was almost surreal that Blues, with the worst home record since kingdom come, took the lead within two minutes through Donaldson – a product of an early pressing game against the top of the table side. However ten minutes or so later, Watford were level after Randolph had brilliantly parried the ball.

It was then nip and tuck although Watford, slightly worryingly, got behind the Blues defence A little too often whilst Cotterill was nullified attacking wise looking after the dangerous Anya. However, Blues had plenty of their own moments with the Watford keeper being forced into a couple of fine saves while Shinnie missed an open goal header.

In the second half, there was an opening quarter of Watford possession football but with Blues retaining an excellent defensive shape, they never capitalised and started to turn the screw. Even more so with Gleeson playing an influential role and the introduction of Gray for a tiring but excellent Arthur and Wes Thomas. Just like against the Wolves, Thomas made a difference with his power and pace and following some of that good work, Cotterill crossed to Donaldson whose soaring header gave the Watford keeper no chance. This signalled a cheer and outpouring of relief from the crowd, arguably on a par with our League Cup and Bruges winners.

In truth, the crowd were magnificent with some spine tingling renditions of Keep Right On. On that note, I am told that over the last few years there has been footage on YouTube of the Tilton Road singing KRO taken from the away end , such is its legendary status.

None of us are getting over-excited but leaving the ground smiling was a good start to hopefully better times.