Birmingham 1 Sheffield United 0
Kevin Phillips' dramatic injury-time winner handed Birmingham victory in their opening match back in the Championship against Sheffield United at St Andrews.
Birmingham 1 Sheff Utd 0" class="imageframe imgalignright" height="109" src="http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wd2958662bluesvsheff-jmp.thumbnail.jpg" title="Birmingham 1 Sheff Utd 0" width="175"/>Kevin Phillips' dramatic injury-time winner handed Birmingham victory in their opening match back in the Championship against Sheffield United at St Andrews.
See also: All Saturday's match day pictures
A match that appeared destined to end in deadlock sprang into life in the 92nd minute, when debutant Phillips opened his Blues account, a typical finish which squirmed under the body of Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
On as a sub, he latched onto Garry O'Connor's head on from a long kick by goalkeeper Maik Taylor, turning Chris Morgan on the penalty spot before lashing low into the bottom corner.
The result was harsh on a battling United side who had looked worthy of a point. For such a dull clash, both sides started in positive fashion with new signing Marcus Bent and McFadden linking up well, as the latter saw a penalty appeal waved away by referee Keith Stroud.
Veteran midfielder Gary Speed tested Taylor with a drilled effort from the edge of the penalty area after 12 minutes, which the Blues goalkeeper did well to tip over.
As the hosts started to dominate, it was Blades striker Billy Sharp who was next to test Taylor, with a fierce drive he did well to hold onto.
Bent should have headed Alex McLeish's side into the lead just before the half-hour mark. He failed to connect with McFadden's teasing cross with the goal at his mercy.
He had another effort blocked as the first half drew to a close.
United introduced Danny Webber on the hour while prolific marksman Phillips entered the fray but the second half descended into a scrappy affai
McFadden missed a great chance to put the home side ahead in the 72nd minute, firing over from 12 yards when he really should have at least hit the target.
But the scene was set for Phillips to net his first goal in Birmingham colours and send the majority of the 24,019 crowd home happy.