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Birmingham 2-0 QPR: Auston Trusty’s spectacular heel and Emmanuel Longelo’s long-range attack send Birmingham to 11th place as high-flying second place QPR breaks loose in St Andrews
- Birmingham saw off QPR’s challenge with a confident 2-0 home win
- Auston Trusty got the hosts off to a perfect start with his 4th minute strike
- The defender’s attempt with his heel went over Seny Dieng after his failed punch
- Emmanuel Longelo then doubled the lead after turning Ethan Laird inside out
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High-flying QPR was brought to Earth from Birmingham last night.
Loan pair Auston Trusty and Emmanuel Longelo, on loan from Arsenal and West Ham respectively, scored Birmingham’s first-half goals to deprive Michael Beale’s men of the chance to regain top spot in the championship. And goalkeeper John Ruddy was Birmingham’s late hero after saving a late penalty from Lyndon Dykes.
An erratic goal gave Birmingham the perfect start at four minutes.
Austin Trusty’s brilliant film gave Birmingham the perfect start against QPR in St Andrews
Trusty’s overhead flick ran over helpless goalkeeper Seny Dieng after Krystian Bielik sent Hannibal Mejbri’s corner back into the danger zone after it had been knocked away.
QPR tried to hit back and Ilias Chair’s curling free kick was tipped over by Ruddy. Tyler Roberts’ side attempt from the edge of the box was deflected via Harlee Dean to the roof of the net.
QPR had to pay for their debauchery in the 29th minute.
Left-back Longelo teased Ethan Laird before slashing in and throwing a shot into the bottom corner.
The Rangers piled up again and a curling free kick from Stefan Johansen was inches away before Sinclair Armstrong grazed his shot from eight yards before halftime. Dykes sent a low drive slip just next to QPR seeking an immediate response after the restart.
But Birmingham grew in confidence and Longelo’s inviting cross just needed a tap for a third goal, but it fell fractionally behind Scott Hogan.
Ruddy was Birmingham’s savior by saving Dykes’ 79th-minute penalty on his right after Longelo dangerously raised his foot on Laird as they battled for a cross.