Marvin Ducksch’s late goal sealed a point for Birmingham City against West Bromwich Albion
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies(Image: Getty Images)
Chris Davies says Birmingham City’s draw at West Bromwich Albion is ‘a point gained’.
Marvin Ducksch’s 78th minute header sealed a point for Blues at The Hawthorns after Alex Mowatt’s deflected opener.
Kyogo Furuhashi was stripped and ready to replace Ducksch moments before Tommy Doyle delivered the free-kick that the German striker flicked home.
Davies, who normally utilises his bench early, told Kyogo to sit down after Ducksch’s goal and didn’t make a substitution until the 83rd minute.
“I had a feeling that we would get better as this game went on before the game,” said Davies.
“Normally I’m a bit earlier with the subs but I thought I’d give them a bit longer to have their moments and our chemistry and connections weren’t as good.
“I kept Marvin on because we had a series of set pieces, because Kyogo was ready to go.
“They were making a substitute at the same time and we both refrained from doing it because of the set pieces. Thankfully he was on when we got one and scored a good goal.”
Blues’ home record is only bettered by Championship leaders Coventry City but their away record is among the worst in the league.
A point away from St Andrew’s, particularly given Blues’ struggles in the first half, has to be looked upon favourably.
Davies added: “From our point of view, it’s a point gained. We weren’t at our best in the first half, definitely. We couldn’t quite find our rhythm and we were a little bit slow with everything, not as precise, but it’s going to be tough away from home in a local derby, it’s never going to be that fluid.
“I didn’t think it was a half of many chances. We conceded a sloppy goal from a set piece that puts us right on the back foot and gives us a mountain to climb.
“I thought we could only get better and I was very confident, as I said to the players at half-time, that we would get better and find that rhythm.
“There were a few breakaways and that isn’t normal for us. Apart from that, I thought it was us in the ascendancy and we were pushing.
“Being a goal down away from home in a local derby, maybe not being at our best, to come away with a point is a good point.”
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