Relief for Bruce as Birmingham scrape through
Given the speculation about Steve Bruce's future it was apt that Jermaine Pennant should provide the two moments which last night prevented the noose from tightening around the Birmingham manager's neck. Bookies in the Midlands are reported to have stopped taking money on Bruce losing his job, but punters who have already placed bets will not be writing them off just yet after this showing. Guardian
Forssell returns to ease pressure on Birmingham
Confidence is in short supply at Birmingham City but an FA Cup replay victory over lowly League Two opposition, thanks to two second half-goals, brought an element of relief to manager Steve Bruce and a team whose foothold in the Premiership remains uncomfortable. Telegraph
Torquay run brought to a standstill by Forssell
Home victories are not to be sniffed at when your place in the Barclays Premiership is being endangered by your team’s form in front of your own supporters, so Birmingham City were grateful for small mercies last night. Mikael Forssell chose a night on which Steve Bruce, the manager, kept Emile Heskey and Chris Sutton on the substitutes’ bench to restake his claim for a return to action. Times
Birmingham grab second chance to finally underline gulf in class
Birmingham City ultimately made the most last night of the second chance that even their manager admitted they were lucky to have. Torquay United, within a whisker of a giant-killing 11 days ago, held out for another hour, often in surprising comfort. Independent