Derby defeat disappoints Birmingham boss Chris Davies

Birmingham manager Chris Davies admitted his team’s latest setback on the road was “painful” to take as they were beaten 1-0 by play-off-chasing Derby.

County were good value for the win against a feeble Birmingham team who never looked like replying to Rhian Brewster’s 43rd-minute header which goalkeeper James Beadle misjudged.

Beadle made several good saves in the second half but Birmingham’s performance was summed up by their failure to register a shot at goal until the 65th minute.

Davies said: “Very disappointed with the result and performance, we didn’t deserve anything from the match.

“It’s very frustrating and the story of our season in many ways. If that game was at St Andrews it would look completely different, we would have been on the front foot the entire game but away from home we’ve had many performances like this.

“The strength and personality to really hurt the opposition hasn’t been there and ultimately it’s my responsibility, that’s my job to get that out of the players and put a team on the pitch that can do that.

“Today was a big, big game for our season and it’s even more painful that we lose the game in such a fashion.

“I thought first half we were trying to be a bit more solid and make sure we didn’t give anything sloppy away but we conceded a poorly timed goal and a very soft goal right on half-time but it was with the ball I was equally disappointed.

“There wasn’t the bravery, the forward thinking and we just didn’t have the strength or personality to look dangerous with any possession we had. Second half I thought we improved in terms of possession, we had a lot more of the ball but without making that last touch or pass to be dangerous enough again.”

For Derby head coach John Eustace, his team’s display was one of the best at home this season.

“It was a fantastic performance from start to finish although I’m disappointed we didn’t get more goals,” he said.

“We were really dominant with or without the ball and I thought it was a top performance against a good team who are chasing the play offs.

“We showed no fear in our football which is great and we certainly showed a really exciting attacking brand of football at times so I’m delighted with the effort and really proud of the football club today. We go about our business in the right way and to get the three points is really pleasing.

“It comes with consistency to be able to play the same team week in and week out. Everyone is getting the connection now, we’ve signed some terrific Championship players with the experience and know-how of the league which is key and we’re in a good place going into the final seven games.

“I think it shows if you do the right things on and off the field throughout the season it levels itself out. We’ve got a squad that will fight and run through a brick wall for each other and although there have been lots of disappointing moments throughout the year up to now with injuries and maybe performances at times, everyone has kept very positive in that dressing room.”