On a day when Birmingham City invested in a new striker, it was their summer signings who stepped up to make a decisive impact, securing a vital win against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
Danish forward August Priske watched from the sidelines as Marvin Ducksch and Kyogo Furuhashi fired late goals, clinching three important Championship points for the Blues.
True to form, the established players sent a clear message to Priske that the competition for places will be fierce.
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“It’s absolutely typical,” said manager Chris Davies. “It’s funny how it all works out, but as long as the goals keep coming, that’s what matters.”
Ducksch, who has often partnered Jay Stansfield this season, opened his account for the day, netting his seventh goal of the campaign. Playing in his preferred role behind the main striker, the German has found his form with four goals in his last four matches.
Davies added, “I’ve usually played him as a number nine, but I shifted him to a ten in recent games and he’s thrived there. He’s a creative player with excellent touch and awareness. That finish was a true striker’s goal.”
Equally gratifying was Kyogo Furuhashi’s performance, as the Japanese forward scored his first Championship goal on his 31st birthday. Rounding off a skillful move past Murphy Cooper, Furuhashi’s goal was a memorable birthday gift.
“It was his birthday, so we wished him well before the game,” Davies shared. “He had a couple of chances earlier but took the toughest one beautifully. Everyone is thrilled for Kyogo — he’s a dedicated professional who gives his all every day.”
With these performances, Birmingham City’s summer recruits have sent a strong signal ahead of the new striker’s arrival: competition is fierce, and the battle for places is very much alive.