Birmingham come from behind to beat West Brom in derby

Dion Sanderson netted his debut goal for Birmingham City after transferring from Wolves, the team he supported as a youngster.

The Birmingham City team earned their fourth consecutive victory against West Bromwich Albion in the West Midlands derby by making a comeback and controversially securing a win against the Baggies.

Once John Swift scored an early 20-yard goal, Albion gained the lead. But then, everything changed when a controversial penalty was awarded to the Blues in the 23rd minute.

Cedric Kipre, a defender for Albion, was deemed to have fouled Koji Miyoshi, a Japanese striker, even though Miyoshi seemed to have slipped. Juninho Bacuna then scored the penalty awarded from the foul.

Ex-Wolves player Dion Sanderson scored a second goal at the 38-minute mark, finalizing the shift in momentum during the first half.

Gary Gardner was substituted and quickly scored a fantastic third goal from a free-kick, securing the win on the 87th minute, shortly after being brought onto the field five minutes earlier.

The Blues won their second game at home in four days, following a 4-1 victory against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday, which propelled John Eustace's team above Albion to reach fifth place in the Championship table.

Albion lost their first game in six matches, and to make matters worse, their top scorer Swift had to leave the game due to a calf injury. Swift had scored six goals for Albion before the injury occurred in the second half.

Before winning in the middle of the week, the team managed by Eustace had not been able to win in the previous six games. During the game against St Andrew's, it seemed like they were going to lose again after Swift scored a goal just five minutes into the game.

The midfielder who was in great form showed impressive accuracy when he scored a goal with a well-struck shot that was hit low and quickly from a distance of 20 yards. He used his right instep and the ball curled just inside the left post of the Blues goalkeeper John Ruddy.

The Blue team managed to equalize the game when Kipre made a challenge on Miyoshi inside the penalty area. Kipre then quickly stood up and asked for a goal-kick since the ball had last touched the Blues player before going out of bounds. However, he was surprised to see the referee, James Linnington, award a penalty.

The protests during the Albion game were intense and prolonged. However, Bacuna tricked Alex Palmer with his penalty kick, which led to more disappointment for the Baggies team who were already upset.

In the lead-up to the end of the first half, the Blues managed to score a goal. It was all thanks to Cody Drameh, who delivered a well-executed free-kick from the right side. Sanderson then displayed his impressive jumping ability and headed the ball into the net with towering force, leaving Palmer unable to stop it.

Darnell Furlong had an excellent opportunity to tie the game early in the second half, but unfortunately missed the target by a few inches. Albion then began to take control of the game and it appeared that they were going to equalize soon.

Birmingham sealed their victory just three minutes before the end of regular play.

Scott Hogan, who was playing as a substitute for the home team, was fouled by the unlucky Kipre near the penalty area. Then, Gardner skillfully took a right-foot free-kick that was too difficult for Palmer to catch and landed perfectly into the top left corner of the goal.

Both teams will now have a two-week break before their next match due to the recent international break.

The Blues will be back in action this coming Saturday, October 21st, with a visit to Middlesbrough, while Albion will be hosting Plymouth Argyle in their home turf.

During an interview with BBC Radio WM, John Eustace, manager of Birmingham City, expressed his thoughts.

I initially believed that the ball had gone beyond the playing area, so I was extremely pleased when the referee made his call.

The punishment altered the game's dynamic and provided us with energy and motivation. However, what epitomizes this team is the perseverance and determination to fight for a favorable outcome, even in challenging circumstances.

"We were thrilled when Gary Gardner scored the final goal. He put in a lot of effort to get back to this level and demonstrated his skills perfectly with an amazing free-kick."

It was an incredible experience to play West Bromwich Albion at our home stadium and come out victorious. However, we must remember that the Championship is a tough and non-stop competition. We shouldn't let ourselves become too excited by the good times or too discouraged by the bad times.

Carlos Corberan, the manager of West Bromwich Albion, shared his thoughts with BBC Radio WM.

Last night was incredibly infuriating for me.

One single move altered the course of the game and, regrettably, the ref's judgment was incorrect.

I empathize with my team, squad, and club. I chose not to have a conversation with the referee afterward, as it would not bring any alteration.

John Swift sustained a calf injury and the duration of his recovery is currently unknown.

The game between Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion has come to an end, with Birmingham City emerging victorious with a score of 3-1.

The conclusion of the later part of the game saw Birmingham City score three goals, while West Bromwich Albion scored only one goal.

In the defensive half, a free kick has been awarded to Alex Mowatt of West Bromwich Albion.

Emmanuel Longelo (from Birmingham City).

On the left side of the field, Cédric Kipré from West Bromwich Albion gains a free kick.

Cody Drameh (Birmingham City) committed a foul.

The ball went into the corner and Scott Hogan was the one who let the opposing team score. This happened during a match involving West Bromwich Albion.

The referee gives Emmanuel Longelo (Birmingham City) a cautionary yellow card.

Nathaniel Chalobah from West Bromwich Albion has been awarded a free kick on the right wing.

Emmanuel Longelo (Birmingham City) has committed a foul.

Nathaniel Chalobah, a player for West Bromwich Albion, has been awarded a free kick in the attacking half of the soccer field.

Scott Hogan (Birmingham City) committed a violation.

The shot was unsuccessful. Nathaniel Chalobah of West Bromwich Albion tried to make a header from the box's center, but it went wide to the right.

The shot by Matt Phillips from the left side of the box was blocked, with Conor Townsend giving the assist for West Bromwich Albion.

A free kick is awarded to Tom Fellows of West Bromwich Albion on the right wing.

Scott Hogan (Birmingham City) committed a foul.

Score! Birmingham City has scored three goals and West Bromwich Albion one. Gary Gardner from Birmingham City was able to score with his right foot in a free kick that went straight to the top left corner.

Cédric Kipré (a player for the West Bromwich Albion soccer team) received a yellow card from the referee for committing a serious foul.

Cédric Kipré from West Bromwich Albion committed a foul.

Scott Hogan, from Birmingham City, gains a free kick in the attacking area.