Blues halt losing run as Saints stuck in drop zone

Birmingham 2 Southampton 1

Steve Bruce's took a major step to guaranteeing their top-flight status for another season after dominating the opening 45 minutes. Saints, who have the worst away record in the Premiership, could not cope with the runs and crosses of Jermaine Pennant and Julian Gray.

Blake, only included in the side after Emile Heskey was injured in the warm-up, also impressed alongside Pandiani and inept Southampton looked ripe for a hammering. Pandiani grabbed the opening goal after 12 minutes with a powerful header.

After 40 minutes the Blues doubled their lead with Blake's penalty after Mario Melchiot was brought down in the penalty area by Jamie Redknapp.

One of Birmingham's big failings this season has been an inability to produce sustained performances. And it was a different story after the break as Southampton no doubt fired up by a half-time roasting from Harry Redknapp posed more of a threat.

The catalyst to that was provided by Camara who has joined the Saints on loan from Wolves via Celtic and his superb goal meant Blues could not relax until the final whistle after a tense finale.

But for all their endeavours Southampton are now four points adrift of the safety mark and have collected just two points out of 39 away from St Mary's.

BIRMINGHAM: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Cunningham, Upson, Clapham, Pennant (Carter 77), Johnson, Clemence, Gray, Blake (Morrison 90), Pandiani (Tebily 80).

SOUTHAMPTON: Niemi, Telfer, Davenport, Lundekvam, Bernard, Delap, Prutton, Redknapp, Van Damme (Anders Svensson 69), Jones (Camara 45), Crouch.

Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire).

Rangers beat Dundee United 7-1 to make the CIS Insurance Cup final in style. Nacho Novo and sub Thompson scored two each, with Dado Prso, Thomas Buffel and Ricksen also scoring.