Birmingham boss Chris Davies hailed his “big moment” players after their 3-1 away victory over Lincoln.
The Blues suffered the worst possible start as Bailey Cadamarteri scored in the first minute.
But Keshi Anderson bagged a brilliant brace, either side of Willum Willumsson’s effort, as the league leaders got back to winning ways after their first league defeat of the season heading into the international break.
Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop also produced a fine penalty save to keep out Reeco Hackett’s spot kick.
“It was an excellent result and an excellent performance,” reflected Davies.
“We’ve been talking a lot about starts to games and we had the worst possible start. But it was gone within the blink of an eye.
“Alfie’s (May) a livewire. It’s hard to keep him quiet, he’s nearly scored the goal of the season as well.
“He’s so bright and alert. Alfie’s goals and assists, he’s a really dangerous player.
“I saw very early on with Keshi Anderson why when it really mattered at the end of last season he played.
“He’s a reliable player. He’s a trustworthy player and he works hard for the team and he’s got quality.
“He’s had to be patient, he’s had an injury as well. Generally when he’s played his performances have been very strong. I was really pleased for him.
“I’ve spoken to the players and said you can talk as much as you like but it’s about performing in those big moments and Ryan’s done that today.
“He gave us the push that we needed. It was a big moment. We’re lucky to have a very strong squad.”
The Imps’ wait for a first win over Birmingham since 1911 went on as Michael Skubala’s side suffered a first league loss since August.
And Skubala said: “We knew it would be a tough game.
“They’re a really good team. The two sixes in there are international players and know how to control a game.
“I think the penalty changes the game. We had momentum at that point. Moments change games.
“It’s no disrespect to Reeco, he’s been brilliant. The lads are devoted in the dressing room. It’s football, sometimes it hurts you.
“I thought we caused them problems, I don’t think many teams have troubled like them we have.
“They’re a strong outfit, no doubt about it. Everyone knows what they’re doing this season.
“I’m proud of the performance and just upset for the result for the lads.
“I thought we were too soft at times, we’re usually better in those moments.”
Interim boss Stephen Frail expects Motherwell to appoint a new manager next week and admits their first job will be to lift the players’ confidence after a 3-0 mauling at home to Ross County.A double from Ronan Hale and Connor Randall’s last-minute strike secured an impressive victory for the Staggies at Fir Park.Defeat sees the Steelmen drop into the bottom half of the Premiership tab...
Mark Hughes heaped praise on goalkeeper Gabe Breeze after Carlisle picked up a vital point in the League Two relegation battle with a goalless draw against in-form Colchester at Brunton Park.Breeze made two excellent saves from Lyle Taylor as the Cumbrians ended a four-game losing run and the former Man City boss was astounded by the 21-year-old’s performance.He said: “The game had som...
Chesterfield boss Paul Cook launched a scathing attack on his play-off hopefuls after they surrendered an early lead to lose 3-1 at Sky Bet League Two table-toppers Walsall.The Spireites enjoyed a rapid start when Jamie Grimes’ eighth-minute header put them ahead against a wobbling Walsall side, who were winless in five matches with the chasing pack closing in.However, Bim Pepple and Dylan D...
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has allayed fears of an injury scare to top scorer Erling Haaland ahead of next week’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid.Haaland went down clutching his leg in the latter stages of the champions’ 4-0 Premier League thrashing of Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and was immediately substituted.Losing the Norwegian would be a major blow to ...
Rotherham manager Steve Evans described Thomas Parsons’ performance as “atrocious” after the referee awarded a stoppage-time penalty from which Reading snatched a 2-1 victory in League One.Reading had led 1-0 at half-time through top scorer Harvey Knibbs but Sam Nombe levelled for Rotherham from a spot-kick in the 57th minute.With the game heading for a draw, Parsons adjudged Mil...
Michael Flynn believes his team can make a charge towards the League Two play-offs places after watching them come from 2-0 down to beat Barrow 3-2 at home.Matty Taylor scored twice before fellow substitute Ashley Hay hit the winner as the Robins continued their perfect home record in 2025.Cheltenham climbed to 13th in the table and sit eight points off seventh-placed Crewe with two games in hand....
Birmingham manager Chris Davies praised Jay Stansfield’s work ethic after he lit up St Andrew’s with the only goal of a 1-0 win to sink play-off chasing Charlton.Stansfield’s 23rd-minute strike stretched City’s lead to nine points ahead of second-placed Wycombe, with Blues boasting a game in hand.Victory was City’s 30th in all competitions as they extended their unbea...
Andoni Iraola refused to get carried away after Bournemouth fans were left dreaming of a potential Champions League adventure following a first league double over south-coast rivals Southampton.Travelling Cherries fans chanted of playing in European football’s premier competition next season after their side soared to fifth spot in the Premier League table thanks to a deserved 3-1 success at...
Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup praised his side for fighting back to draw 1-1 at Hull after he demanded “I want to see my football team back”.The Norwich boss had some tough words for his team as they trailed 1-0 at half-time to the relegation-threatened side, including for Kellen Fisher – but the player then delivered the assist for Josh Sargent’s equaliser.The Un...
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Jota has a chance of starting against Bayern Munich after scoring and impressing in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United.Jota earned the club’s man-of-the-match award after cutting in from the left and curling home from 18 yards to double the lead given to the hosts by another impressive finish from Callum McGregor.The Portuguese winger has now started two gam...
