A MARV-ellous response from Blues in local derby

ANOTHER goal from Marvin Ducksch sealed a battling point for Birmingham City against West Bromwich Albion last night.

- By ALEX DICKEN

Birmingham City midfielder Tommy Doyle fouls Albion forward Karlan Grant

The German striker netted his third goal in two games with a late header to cancel out Alex Mowatt’s opener.

Blues failed to capitalise on an opportunity to jump into the Championship playoffs but they did avoid defeat on the road for just the fourth time this season.

Albion started the brighter of the two teams and gained the lead in the 11th minute through Mowatt.

A long throw-in was only half-cleared by Blues and Mowatt's strike from the edge of the box deflected off Phil Neumann to wrongfoot James Beadle.

Blues had plenty of the ball in the first half without seriously threatening Josh Griffiths’ goal.