Abby Brammell

By Janine Self

Matt finish: Derbyshire (right) celebrates


If Matt Derbyshire is looking to cure his wanderlust, then a first goal in English football for 18 months is a good way to start.

The former Blackburn striker has joined Birmingham from Olympiakos and last night he showed plenty of desire on his debut, not to mention attacking threat.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish said: ‘Derbyshire looked brighter as the game went on.

With our first penetrative pass he won the penalty and he looked dangerous in the second half.’

Rochdale’s first-round giant slaying of Barnsley was only their second League Cup victory in nine years but Gary Jones’s 25th-minute opener sparked hope of even greater glory.


Two minutes later Derbyshire was tumbling under a challenge from Marcus Holness, much to the annoyance of the Rochdale players, although manager Keith Hill was not complaining.

James McFadden converted the penalty before going off with a groin strain.

David Murphy put Birmingham ahead early in the second half, then Derbyshire bundled the ball in five minutes later


Feeling the heat: Alex McLeish


What should have been a stroll in the rain for the final 15 minutes became jittery after Jones’s second of the night, the midfielder converting Chris O’Grady’s cross.

Hill said: ‘We carved out some good opportunities and I did enjoy it. I like to see the beautiful game.’


source: dailymail