Birmingham see off brave Crawley challenge

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Crawley Town 0 - 1 Birmingham City

Birmingham City climbed to the top of League One after Jay Stansfield's header finally broke Crawley's stubborn defence at Broadfield Stadium.

Author - Craig H 

Crawley v Birmingham - Birmingham players celebrate near away end

In a match played under challenging conditions, the promotion-chasing Blues had struggled to find a breakthrough in what was largely a dull affair. However, they ultimately secured three crucial points, ensuring they'll be top of the table come Christmas Day.

Stansfield continued his blistering form, nodding in his seventh goal in as many games from Keshi Anderson's pinpoint cross. The goal came as the game seemed destined for a goalless draw.

Chris Davies' side now sit one point clear of Wycombe Wanderers, with a game in hand, after recording their fifth consecutive league victory.

EFL: 2024/2025 news and stories

Crawley remain in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety, and will close out the year with tough away trips to Leyton Orient and Exeter. They welcomed back captain Dion Conroy to the starting XI for the first time this season, but the 29-year-old defender had little to contend with during a forgettable first half. 

Birmingham showed more urgency after the break, with Paik Seung-Ho and Willum Willumsson testing Crawley’s defence and goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott. Meanwhile, the hosts failed to muster a shot until the 71st minute.

Crawley’s resistance was broken just eight minutes later when Stansfield found space to head home his 14th goal of the campaign. This came shortly after Conroy had been substituted.

Ethan Laird then produced a brilliant solo run down the left, delivering a ball across the face of the goal that begged to be finished. However, Lyndon Dykes, yet to score in the league since his summer move to St Andrew's failed to connect from point-blank range.

One Birmingham gave us simple feedback on the match, simply saying: "Another win and three points closer to the Championship. 2025 could be a fantastic year for us."

Location: Crawley, UK

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