Chris Davies was speaking after Birmingham City beat Preston North End at Deepdale
Chris Davies, manager of Birmingham City
Being ‘brilliant at the basics of football’ was the key to Birmingham City’s battling victory at Preston.
That’s the verdict of Chris Davies who delivered that very clear message to his players before they ended Preston’s unbeaten record at Deepdale.
Phil Neumann netted from a first half set piece before Blues protected their lead heroically in the second half with a backs-to-the-wall defensive job.
“It was an excellent win for us and we fully deserved it,” Davies reflected after Blues ended their four-game winless run.
“We started really brightly and I was really happy with the start we made. You know what it’s going to be like here, they’re a good team in good form.
“We had to start well and I thought we did that aggressively, we were strong in the duels and we looked bright in possession.
“We got forward well a few times and we were rewarded with a good set piece goal. I really felt we could have gone two up when Lewis (Koumas) had a chance.
“Second half we still had moments, but as it grew you knew they would put bodies forward. They are quite a big team, quite direct and put a lot of balls into the box.
“Spirit and togetherness, desire to defend your box are part of the basics of football – I said to the players before the game we need to be brilliant at the basics tonight.
“I don’t remember winning a game off a set piece. We’re due that. We’ve been working on it and it’s paid off.”
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