Wrexham 1-2 Birmingham City: Phil Neumann double fires Blues to victory
Birmingham City finally have their first Championship victory of the season, with Phil Neumann the unlikely hero after scoring both goals in a hard-earned 2-1 win over Wrexham.
The German defender scored in the 13th and 63rd minutes at the Racecourse Ground, with his second goal proving decisive after Wrexham had levelled through Callum Doyle shortly after half-time.
The result provided the response Chris Davies and his players needed following Tuesday night’s heavy 6-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford. Neumann’s brace secured all three points and provided some welcome relief for the Birmingham City head coach.
Wrexham 1-2 Birmingham City
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Venue: Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Kick-off: 8:00pm
Attendance: 10,536
Referee: Robert Jones
Half-time: Wrexham 0-1 Birmingham City
Goals:
- 13′ – Phil Neumann, Birmingham City
- 54′ – Callum Doyle, Wrexham
- 63′ – Phil Neumann, Birmingham City
For the official match details, the Sky Sports match report records the 2-1 Birmingham City victory and Neumann’s two goals.
Neumann the unlikely hero
There was one name that dominated the night in North Wales: Phil Neumann.
The Birmingham City centre-back produced a superb attacking contribution, scoring both of Birmingham’s goals and proving to be the difference between the two sides.
Neumann opened the scoring in the 13th minute, giving Birmingham the perfect start. Alex Cochrane was involved in creating the opportunity, with Birmingham making the most of a dangerous delivery into the Wrexham penalty area.
The Blues continued to look dangerous and could arguably have been further ahead before half-time.
Wrexham, however, came out with greater attacking intent after the interval and found their equaliser in the 54th minute.
Callum Doyle brings Wrexham level
Callum Doyle got Wrexham back on level terms, with Lewis O’Brien providing the assist.
At 1-1, the momentum appeared to be shifting towards the home side, with Birmingham facing the possibility of another difficult evening following their midweek defeat.
But Birmingham responded quickly.
Neumann strikes again
Just nine minutes after Wrexham’s equaliser, Neumann restored Birmingham City’s lead.
The defender rose highest to head home in the 63rd minute, with August Priske credited with the assist.
It was Neumann’s second goal of the evening and ultimately proved to be the winning goal.
From there, Birmingham showed the resilience that had been missing during parts of the midweek defeat to Brentford. Wrexham pushed for another equaliser, but Birmingham’s defence held firm, while goalkeeper James Beadle made important contributions to protect the Blues’ advantage.
The final whistle brought a huge sense of relief for the travelling Birmingham supporters.
Wrexham 1-2 Birmingham City.
Three points heading back to the West Midlands.
A huge response from Chris Davies’ team
The importance of this result should not be underestimated.
Birmingham had opened their Championship campaign with two draws before suffering the heavy 6-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford in midweek.
That result increased scrutiny on Chris Davies, making the trip to Wrexham particularly important.
The response was exactly what Davies and Birmingham City needed. The Blues looked more organised, more disciplined and much harder to break down, particularly after taking the lead.
First Championship win of the campaign
The victory represents Birmingham City’s first Championship win of the campaign and their first away success since February, according to reports.
The result is particularly significant following the disappointment of the Brentford defeat. Rather than allowing that performance to define the week, Birmingham responded with a determined away display and secured three valuable points.
Phil Neumann makes the difference
Phil Neumann’s performance will understandably dominate the headlines.
A centre-back scoring twice in a Championship away victory is unusual enough, but the timing of both goals made his contribution even more important. His opening goal gave Birmingham an early advantage, while his second restored the lead after Wrexham had equalised.
For Birmingham City, the result provides a welcome boost and gives Chris Davies and his players something positive to build on.
The Blues return from Wrexham with three points, a first Championship victory of the season and a memorable performance from Phil Neumann.
Final score: Wrexham 1-2 Birmingham City.