Birmingham City Vs. Bolton Wanderers: Early Goal From Kevin Phillips Inspires City Win

Birmingham City eased their relegation fears through goals from Kevin Phillips and Craig Gardner, although a second-half goal from Johan Elmander made the hosts sweat a little bit before the full-time whistle went. Phillips got City off to a perfect start after smashing home a half-volley off Jussi Jaaskelainen in the fourth minute, and although Bolton came close several times in the first half Alex McLeish's side went into the interval nursing a 1-0 lead.

Sebastian Larrson had the ball in the net for Birmingham swiftly after the restart only to see his effort correctly ruled out for offside, but it wasn't long before the home side got their second goal with Craig Gardner doubling the advantage on the hour mark. The midfielder traded passes with striker Cameron Jerome before slamming a shot off Jaaskelainen's post and into the net.

Bolton's response was swift and strong, but ultimately not strong enough. Johan Elmander found his scoring boots with a fine volley to pull one back, but the visitors found Ben Foster in fine form and despite pressing hard for the equaliser simply could not find the second goal. The victory pushes Birmingham out of the relegation zone and although they still lie in 17th, they have a game in hand on most of their immediate competitors and look like they can breathe for now. Bolton, meanwhile, slip from 7th to 8th, and looking like they can lay those faint dreams of finishing 5th to rest.