Birmingham City produced a devastating early burst and then withstood a rousing second-half response from Norwich City to earn a 2-1 win at Carrow Road that strengthens their Championship play-off push. Carlos Vicente and Marvin Ducksch struck inside the opening 14 minutes to put Chris Davies' side in control, before Kenny McLean's thunderous reply set up a frantic finale in Norfolk.
Norwich, revitalised under Philippe Clement with five wins from their previous six league games, were a different side after the break and finished with 62 per cent possession and more than double Birmingham's attempts on goal. Yet it was the Blues who extended their unbeaten run to eight league matches and climbed four places to seventh, two points outside the play-off places, thanks largely to some inspired goalkeeping from James Beadle.
Birmingham's Lightning Start Silences an In-Form Home Side
Arriving at the home of one of the Championship's form teams, Birmingham signalled their intent almost immediately. Inside 24 seconds, August Priske flicked on and Vicente burst clear, drawing a sharp stop from Vladan Kovacevic. It was an early warning for Norwich's back line, who were repeatedly exposed by balls played in behind them in the opening stages.