Martin O’Neil, in his 50th premiership game in charge of Aston Villa, saw his side getting the better of local rivals Birmingham City in the 105th Midlands derby at St. Andrew’s. Sunday’s 2-1 win at the backyard of Birmingham City was Villa’s third successive second-city derby victory.
England U-21 striker Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a late headed winner minutes after clearing a Liam Ridgewell header off the line at the other end. Birmingham City went behind after just 11 minutes when former Villa defender Liam Ridgewell scored an own goal after trying to clear a dangerous Stilian Petrov cross.
The first half clearly belonged to the side from Villa Park, but Steve Bruce’s side was unlucky when referee Steve Bennett turned down two confident and clear Birmingham penalty shouts at the start and the end of the half. The second-half saw a fighting Birmingham side and the Blues scored a deserved equalizer when substitute Finnish striker Mikael Forsell headed home a cross from the impressive Dutchman Daniel De Ridder.






















