00:00Birmingham City's championship campaign hit another bump on Saturday
00:06as Middlesbrough claimed a 2-1 victory at the Riverside.
00:10Demarie Gray's third goal of the season gave Blues an early glimmer of hope,
00:14but Dale Fry and Hayden Hackney struck back to ensure Borough left with all three points.
00:20The result ended Birmingham's mini-run following a consecutive 4-0 home victory,
00:25leaving them 11th with 21 points from 15 as the league headed into its third international break of the season.
00:36The backdrop to the game added extra drama just two hours before kick-off.
00:40It was confirmed that Rob Edwards would not be in the dugout as he prepared to take over at Wolverhampton Wanderers,
00:48leaving Borough's preparation in disarray.
00:51Yet the Riverside eluded a siege mentality with supporters and players galvanised
00:55rather than deflated by the news.
00:58Interim-Both Adi Vivaz described the atmosphere as a tidal wave
01:01and every tackle and clearance was cheered with the intensity of a goal.
01:06Chris Davis could find positives amid the defeat.
01:10Birmingham created arguably their best chances of the season,
01:13with Jay Stansfield, Patrick Roberts and Timoki Iwata all testing the visitors.
01:18Stansfield, hesitation and slight miscommunication with Marvin Dusk,
01:22highlighted the fine margins, while Robert Sears and Iwata's efforts underscored the team's attacking intent.
01:29Yet the club's away form remains a persistent obstacle.
01:33Five losses from eight road games contrast sharply with St Andrews' fortress-like home record.
01:39Davis believes the template from victories such as the away win at Preston
01:43can be replicated to improve consistency on the road.
01:47He praised the squad's progress.
01:48We are creating more chances than we were early on.
01:52Defensively solid, but adding a goal threat.
01:54It bodes well for the winter months.
02:00Partnerships are forming, players are flourishing,
02:02and while the defeat was frustrating,
02:05Birmingham's blend of resilience and creativity offers reason for optimism
02:09as they navigate the league's tough ex-fixtures.
02:12Coronavirus
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