Lancashire | Preston suffer defeat against Birmingham

Preston North End 0 - 1 Birmingham City

Phil Neumann marked his return to Birmingham City’s starting line-up with the decisive goal in a hard-fought win over Preston.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Deepdale

The German defender, recalled in place of the suspended Jack Robinson, headed home Alex Cochrane’s free-kick in the 33rd minute to seal Birmingham’s first win in five matches.

Chris Davies’s side were forced to dig in after the break as Preston mounted sustained pressure, with home manager Paul Heckingbottom turning to his bench to inject life into a blunt attack.

Daniel Jebbison came closest to equalising midway through the second half after Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle misjudged a clearance, but Neumann recovered to clear off the line.

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Both teams have struggled for consistency this season, though Birmingham’s need for a result was greater after defeat to Hull City left them with just one win in eight across all competitions. For an hour, they were well worth their lead, keeping Preston at bay while posing a regular threat of their own.

Birmingham fans celebrate at full-time

How Birmingham gained a potentially valuable three points

Before the opener, Keshi Anderson inadvertently blocked Tommy Doyle’s effort on the line after the midfielder’s corner nearly went straight in. Neumann’s goal could have been followed by another, but Lewis Gibson cleared off the line after Lewis Koumas was set up by Jay Stansfield following a defensive lapse.

Stansfield fired over from distance soon after, while Tomoki Iwata glanced a header against the post as Birmingham sought a cushion.

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Heckingbottom responded by introducing Thierry Small and Alfie Devine just past the hour, and the changes lifted the hosts. Jebbison’s near miss was followed by Small driving a cross-shot narrowly wide.

In stoppage time, Eiran Cashin escaped penalty appeals after tangling with Lewis Dobbin near the byline, and despite a late bombardment, Birmingham held firm to secure just their second away victory of the campaign.