Birmingham 1-0 Leeds: Lukas Jutkiewicz late penalty wins it for Blues as co-owner Tom Brady watches from the stands

Tom Brady made a surprise appearance at a pub in Birmingham before the game and until the last minute here, the new Blues co-owner probably wished he had stayed there all afternoon.

The NFL great, a seven-time Super Bowl winner, invested in Birmingham last month and greeted Blues supporters at The Roost – a stone’s throw from St Andrew’s – in the hours before kickoff.

It looked to the whole world that Brady’s first taste of English football would end in a 0-0 draw. Daniel James then bundled Ethan Laird into the penalty area and seconds after coming on as a substitute, Lukas Jutkiewicz fired the penalty off the foot of keeper Illan Meslier. From his perch in the driver’s box, Brady was beaming and hugging his fellow board members full-time.

Leeds desperately need the transfer window to close. Fans expressed their anger at Wilfried Gnonto, who was not in the squad as he is seeking a move. Luis Sinisterra was another who did not travel, while fellow winger Crysencio missed Summerville through injury. Tyler Adams is about to leave.

Next to chairman Tom Wagner, Brady took his seat shortly before kick-off, looking every bit as superstar despite the gray skies over Second City.

If only he could sprinkle a little stardust on this game. After relegation last season, Leeds were expected to be among the front-runners for promotion and there is also more optimism at the Blues following the change of ownership and subsequent investment in the squad.

But if Brady was looking for entertainment, he would have been disappointed. Blues paid a touching tribute to their own homegrown hero, Trevor Francis, who passed away on July 24. Francis also received a round of applause in the eighth minute, a nod to the number he wore for his boyhood club.

There was no one in Francis’ class here on either side. Daniel James looked good for the visitors early on but was let down by his final pass. Leeds youngster Archie Gray put in another promising performance in midfield and both sides were solid without the ball, although there was desperately little attacking spark.

James’ volley at the far post in the 10th minute was blocked by Blues centre-backs Dion Sanderson and Kevin Long, and at the other end Juninho sent Bacuna’s heel Ethan Laird in, with Ethan Ampadu making a vital interception to clear the cross. to change gear.

Neither goalkeeper had much to do but claim high balls and set pieces in a desperately uneventful opening period.

The second half wasn’t much better, although there were at least a few chances. Leeds substitute Georginio Rutter’s attempt on goal was blocked by Krystian Bielik and at the other end the unmarked long ball somehow headed Bacuna’s corner wide. Then it was Leeds’ turn to get close, with Sam Byram looking inches away.

Moments later, Blues winger Siriki Dembele’s curling iron headed for the top corner before being looked wide and teammate Scott Hogan firing over the goal line from close range.

And just when it looked like both sides were going to get a point, James Blues effectively handed the points with a ridiculous challenge to Laird. Jutkiewicz’s penalty was poor and aimed straight at Illan Meslier, but luck was on his side as the ball hit Meslier’s foot and ricocheted into the net.