Report v Crewe 08/10/00

Brazilian Marcelo made the most of his controversial entry into the fray by slotting home the winner that puts high-flying Birmingham back on the winning trail and up to fourth.

Substitute Marcelo added the Blues’ decisive second goal to an opener from Bryan Hughes after coming on for Geoff Horsfield, who just minutes earlier escaped a red card.

Horsfield seemed to head-butt Crewe’s Steve Macauley as tempers frayed in midfield.

When the former Fulham man was pulled off by manager Trevor Francis, Marcelo made the most of his chance and casually slotted home a one-on-one opportunity after being put in on goal by fellow substitute Dele Adebola.

The win was just what Birmingham required after Watford ended their ten-match unbeaten run last week. In contrast, after the heady experience of their first win in seven games, this was a case of normal service resumed for Crewe.

After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken by 24-year-old Hughes on 54 minutes as the Blues came out firing.

Stan Lazaridis crossed into the box, Adebola beat Jason Kearton to nod the ball down as Crewe's defence went to sleep and Hughes had a simple task to slot into the empty net.

Crewe were bolstered by a first appearance for Alan Maybury, as he began a month's loan from Leeds, but for the ninth time in 14 outings, they were a blunt threat upfront.

In the last minute Adebola saw his ferocious shot cannon back into play off the post.