Birmingham City 1 Leeds United 0: McDermott happy with ‘job done’ in saving club

The goalless first half had been indicative of the respective positions of both clubs.

Ravel Morrison clipped the crossbar for Birmingham and also went close with another attempt, while Luke Varney and McCormack were the two danger men for Leeds.

Birmingham’s youngsters again demonstrated their potential and in particular on-loan Morrison. He worked well in tandem with Nathan Redmond and the pair were often troublesome for the Leeds defence.

Goalkeeper Jack Butland, making his penultimate home appearance before linking up with Stoke City, had several anxious moments.

He saved well from McCormack but was very nearly caught napping in the second half by Varney when he was far too casual taking a cross.

The stalemate was broken in the 72nd minute when Paddy Kenny failed to hold on to a Redmond strike. Kenny could only parry the shot and Hayden Mullins was on hand to knock the ball home from close range.

Despite the defeat, McDermott is still feeling optimistic about the future at Elland Road.

He said: “I thought we should have got something out of the game. When it was 0-0 we were on top and then they scored from nothing.

“When I arrived at the club I put my reputation on the line to make sure Leeds remained in this division. So as far as I am concerned it is job done.

“I think we have to talk about who needs to come in. If we can add to the squad with good quality players who know this division we should progress.

“Leeds were possibly in trouble when I came in. I am delighted with the boys.

“They played two games at home and we won them both. They were pressure games.”

Birmingham: Butland, Caddis, Davies, Robinson, Hancox, Redmond, Morrison, Elliott, Ferguson (Burke 62), Mullins, Zigic. Unused substitutes: Doyle, Caldwell, Ambrose, Lovenkrands, Thomas, Reilly.

Leeds: Kenny, Byram, Pearce, Lees, Warnock, Austin (Drury 83), Green, Diouf (Morison 74), Tonge (Peltier 61), Varney, McCormack. Unused substitutes: Ashdown, White, Brown, Habibou.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).