Less than a couple of weeks ago, more and more Birmingham supporters were becoming increasing convinced that they were destined for another battle at the wrong end of the Championship.
After collecting seven points from three games, they now have a different perspective. Lee Bowyer has had to wait a while for justification when it comes to using three players at the back, but the Blues boss will feel vindicated after the win at Middlesbrough.
The success at the Riverside Stadium, which came with another clean sheet, followed four points coming from fixtures against Huddersfield Town and Swansea City.
Most notably for Bowyer, his side have ended an abysmal run of form in front of goal by showing a clinical touch against improving sides with four different players getting on the scoresheet.
On a negative note, you have to go all the way back to September 10 for the last time that Birmingham netted a goal during the opening 45 minutes.
There will be a sense of relief among the home team’s fanbase on Tuesday evening, and it will be a similar feeling in the away end.
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The Robins finally ended a 17-match winless streak at Ashton Gate at the weekend, posting a comeback 2-1 triumph over potential relegation rivals Barnsley in the process.
While Nigel Pearson’s side had to ride their luck at times during a nervy second half, they will argue that they deserve some good fortune given the manner of some of their setbacks this season.
Back to within five points of the playoffs and still possessing the fifth-best away record in the division, Pearson will hope that Saturday’s success can be the catalyst for greater things to come
