NOT only did Ipswich miss a chance to get into the top six places they were shown just how far away they are from being promotion contenders.

Derek Davis

Birmingham 2 Ipswich 1

NOT only did Ipswich miss a chance to get into the top six places they were shown just how far away they are from being promotion contenders.

Liam Ridgewell and Kevin Phillips (who else?) gave Birmingham the victory with the goals while Franck Qeudrue hit the crossbar as second-placed City kept the pressure on midlands rivals Wolves at the top.

Alex Bruce (of course) headed Ipswich's consolation five minutes from time but it was worth more to him personally after his nightmare at St Andrews than points for Town.

It is funny what 12 months can bring.

It was around a year ago David Sullivan was willing to pay more than Marcus Evans to buy Ipswich Town but the deal was already lock-tight. Sullivan did not sell his Birmingham City shares as Carson Yeung's offer fell through and Evans took control of the Blues at Portman Road.

Steve Bruce left Birmingham to take up the manager's job at Wigan and while he kept them in the Premier League, Alex McLeish could not do the same at St Andrews and so, one year on, the two Blues meet in the Championship.

McLeish looks to be on his way back to the Premier League with Birmingham who look difficult to stop, while Town have yet to convince that they will be credible promotion candidates.