Decisive figure's saves tilt it Birmingham's way at Norwich | OneFootball

James Beadle set the tone in the 11th minute with a sharp save, and the goalkeeper's eight stops underpinned Birmingham City's 2-1 win over Norwich City.

That early stop from Liam Gibbs steadied the visitors before the Canaries built pressure. Beadle then beat away Mohamed Touré's effort from the centre of the box (36.).

After the restart he produced a superb double response, first holding Touré's header (47.), then pushing out Kellen Fisher's close range strike moments later (47.).

Beadle stayed strong late on, denying Mathias Kvistgaarden twice (75., 81.) and gathering Anis Ben Slimane's drive (88.). He finished with eight saves, including six inside the box, plus three high claims to relieve pressure.

Because the Canaries delivered sustained territory and 18 attempts with long spells of possession, Birmingham needed their goalkeeper to be aggressive on crosses and decisive on first contacts. Beadle's handling and positioning kept the hosts at arm's length across the game's key phases.

Birmingham climb from 11th to 7th and visit Millwall next. The Canaries host Sheffield Wednesday next.