Birmingham City: Stephen Carr says victory was well deserved

Aug 20 2009 By Andy Walker

STAND-IN skipper Stephen Carr today insisted that Blues’ last-gasp winner against Portsmouth was just reward for their energy-sapping performance.

Injury-hit Blues got off to winning ways on home soil last night with a 1-0 victory over troubled Pompey.

The match looked on course to end as a frustrating goalless draw until James McFadden slotted home an injury-time penalty, after Seb Larsson had been bundled over by goalkeeper David James in the box.

Carr, who was named captain after a formation change saw Lee Carsley drop to the bench, admitted that last weekend’s encouraging performance at Old Trafford had taken its toll on Alex McLeish’s weary troops.

Despite being disappointed with the lack of goalscoring opportunities created, the experienced right-back was delighted to see Blues dig deep to secure their first win of the Premier League season.

“It didn’t look like it was ever coming to come,” said Carr, who put in yet another sterling performance. “It was a great result and a nice penalty by Faddy, that’s what happens when you keep plugging away. You get that little bit of luck sometimes and we got it last night.

“I think it was deserved for our efforts. I think we died in the second half, 15 minutes in and the lads looked tired. The first week of the season is tough with three games.