Birmingham City 2-1 Watford: Demarai Gray and Paik Seung-Ho goals move Blues within point of Championship play-offs

Birmingham City edged out Watford 2-1 at St Andrew's Stadium to move within a single point of securing a spot in the Championship play-offs.

The Blues' victory marked their fourth consecutive win at home, and Paik Seung-Ho was the hero as he opened the scoring with a ferocious effort from outside the box before half-time. The Korean midfielder doubled the lead in spectacular fashion, shifting the ball onto his right foot inside the area and picking out the top right corner.

Watford's misery on the road continued despite a valiant second-half display that saw them level the score through Othmane Maamma's close-range effort. However, Birmingham held firm to secure their seventh-place spot in the table, just one point behind Bristol City in the play-offs.

Visiting goalkeeper Nathan Baxter was called into action for Watford after Paik Seung-Ho had given Birmingham a comfortable lead at halftime, but he could do little to deny Demarai Gray's incredible second goal. The latter's strike showcased his quality and intensity, as well as that of midfielder Jay Stansfield.

Watford showed signs of life in the final stages when Othmane Maamma brought them level, but Birmingham held their nerve to claim a crucial three points. Despite being on a miserable run away from home, Watford remain in contention for a top-half finish with several games left to play.

For Blues boss Chris Davies, his side's win was a testament to their growing form and professionalism. He praised Stansfield's energy and intensity, saying he was "very professional" and that the team's performance was at a high level.

Watford manager Javi Gracia acknowledged that his side showed moments of quality in the second half but ultimately fell short due to mistakes from his players. However, he remains optimistic about his young squad's potential for improvement over time.

I mean, can you believe Paik Seung-Ho just KNOCKS IT OUTTA THE BOX?! The guy is a genius on the field! Demarai Gray's second goal was INSANE too... that guy's got skills for days And Birmingham's defense was on point. They held Watford off pretty easily.

I love how Chris Davies is keeping it real about his team's growth - they're really coming together as a squad . And Javi Gracia's still optimistic about Watford's future... that's the kind of attitude you want from your manager . Watford might be having some ups and downs, but they've got potential.

I'm genuinely excited for Birmingham now... if they can keep this form up, they're gonna make a real push for the playoffs . Can't wait to see what happens next!

I love watching Birmingham City play at St Andrew's Stadium ! Paik Seung-Ho is insane on the ball - that guy can smash a shot from anywhere . But seriously, Demarai Gray's goal was so cool! He's one of those players who always looks like he's going to do something special. And Jay Stansfield, I love how he just runs around and causes chaos for the other team . Birmingham's on fire right now and I think they've got a good shot at the play-offs .

I'm loving how Blues boss Chris Davies is bringing out the best in his team right now... it's like he's implementing a real-life "Championship Government" - making tough decisions and holding players accountable. Meanwhile, Gracia needs to get his house in order, you know? Watford can't keep relying on individual brilliance to carry them through. It's time for some structural changes if they wanna stay competitive. And let's be real, Paik Seung-Ho is the new face of Championship football - all that energy and skill!

awww man watford is having such a tough run away from home they were so close to coming back from that 2 goal deficit but birmingham just held strong i feel bad for gracia and the lads, they're still showing signs of life tho and thats something to look forward to birmingham's form is looking good tho, paik seung-ho is a total beast his goal was insane!

omg what a game paik seung-ho is like a korean messiah on the pitch, scoring 2 goals and bringing the blues back to life demarai gray's second goal was insane watford's misery at st andrews is real though they're still fighting for a top-half spot tho chris davies' team is looking solid and professional, good on 'em

I'm loving how Birmingham City is firing on all cylinders right now! They really seem to have got their mojo back and it's not just Paik Seung-Ho who's stepping up - Demarai Gray's second goal was pure magic! I mean, that guy's pace and skill are just a nightmare for any defense. And Jay Stansfield's energy is infectious - he's like the ultimate team player, always putting in that extra effort to help his teammates win. The fact that they're now within a single point of securing a spot in the play-offs is just incredible, especially considering how tough the Championship has been this season

Birmingham City is on fire this season and their win against Watford was just another testament to that! They've got a strong team spirit and Paik Seung-Ho is absolutely killing it out there , I mean who else can score a goal from outside the box like that? The thing is though, they're not the only ones with momentum, Bristol City is closing in on them too... can't wait to see how this all plays out at the end of the season!

man this game was intense!!! Birmingham played so well at home, i mean Paik Seung-Ho is on fire ! that second goal by Demarai Gray was insane . and watford just couldn't catch a break. they had some great moments but ultimately fell short. Chris Davies must be chuffed to bits with his team's performance . and watford manager Javi Gracia, i get what he's saying about the squad's potential for improvement, but sometimes you gotta win games not just talk about it . anyway, congrats to Birmingham on moving into the playoffs !

The underdog's story is unfolding here! Birmingham City is showing some serious grit and determination, playing at home where they're on fire . Meanwhile, Watford's struggles away from home are a concern - they need to figure out how to replicate their form on the road, or risk falling behind Bristol City in the play-offs . It's not about being "overrated" or underperforming, it's about consistency and strategy . Gracia's optimism is great, but he needs to make some tough decisions - do his players need a shake-up or more time to develop? The Championship playoffs are heating up, and Birmingham City is right in the mix !

omg I'm literally so proud of my little one who watched this match with me they were on the edge of their seat when Paik Seung-Ho scored that first goal and screaming at the TV when Demarai Gray scored his second . it's crazy how much emotion a football game can bring out in kids, but I love seeing them get so invested in something they love . speaking of which, has anyone else noticed how much more confident my little one is becoming? like, they were literally cheering on Birmingham the whole time it warms my heart to see them develop their own team spirit

Man, I'm loving the comeback of Birmingham City ! They've been on fire at home and it's amazing to see them near that playoff spot . Paik Seung-Ho is a hero, what a finish by him! And Demarai Gray's goal was insane, I mean, who does that? It's not just the goals that are exciting though, it's the team's professionalism and energy on display. Chris Davies is doing something right with his tactics, gotta give him credit . Watford's still in a good spot too, only a point behind Bristol City and they're gonna push for that top-half finish ️. What can you say about Javi Gracia's squad, though? Young and hungry, but also got some work to do

I'm loving Paik Seung-Ho's form right now! He's like a Korean Messi on the pitch, always causing problems for opposing defenses with those long-range shots. And that second goal of Demarai Gray was insane! Stansfield is also looking like a top player, his energy and work rate are unmatched. The Blues' win is definitely a statement of intent from Chris Davies' team, they're playing some great football and I'm excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

OMG, what a game!! Birmingham totally deserved that win! Paik Seung-Ho was on fire ! I'm loving the way Demarai Gray is playing lately... so intense! Stansfield's energy in midfield was infectious . Watford, yeah they had some good moments, but sometimes you just can't turn it around when mistakes happen .

I'm glad Birmingham are getting closer to the playoffs ... it'll be so exciting for them! But I think Watford still have a shot at a top-half finish . They've got some young talent and they're improving, so fingers crossed for them!

I think Watford got away scot-free this time lol Birmingham might've won, but it was super easy peasy for them at home. I mean, Paik Seung-Ho scored those goals like they were nothing and their defense was on point too. Meanwhile, Watford's "valiant second-half display" sounds like code for "we couldn't even score despite having some decent chances". And can we talk about how demoralizing it must be to travel to a new city every week? I mean, at least Birmingham got a comfy 4-0 win last season...

OMG I'M SO PUMPED UP FOR BIRMINGHAM CITY!!! THEY'RE ON FIRE AT THE MOMENT AND IT'S AMAZING TO SEE THEM GETTING CLOSER TO THAT PLAY OFFS SPOT!!! paik seung-ho is a total GAME CHANGER, his goal was insane!!! demarai gray's second goal was pure magic, that guy's skills are on another level jay stansfield's energy and intensity were key to the blues' win, he's definitely one of their standout players right now watford might be struggling away from home but they're still in contention for a top-half finish, that's what makes this league so exciting!

OMG I'm so stoked for Birmingham City!! They're doing sick , and Paik Seung-Ho is a total beast ! His skills are insane , and Demarai Gray's second goal was pure magic . The team's professionalism has been on point lately , and it's awesome to see Chris Davies' tactical genius at work . Watford had some bright moments too, but they just couldn't capitalize . Javi Gracia should be proud of his squad though - they've got potential for sure! Can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds

man this paik seung-ho guy is on fire ! his goal against watford was insane, i mean who needs a direct kick when you can just smash it like that ? and blu's defense is looking solid too, they've been playing some great team football lately .

but seriously though, the fact that blu are moving into 7th spot in the table is huge . it shows how far they've come under chris davies' management. and watford, despite their struggles on the road, are still in contention for a top-half finish, so that's something to look forward to .

i'm just glad we're getting more exciting matches like this one, it's keeping us engaged and invested in the league . can't wait to see how the rest of the season plays out .

man that paik seung-ho goal was insane ! i love how he just unleashed that shot from outside the box and it was a top corner winner . demarai gray's second goal was pretty intense too , his energy on the pitch is infectious.

watford can't be too disappointed though, they showed some great signs in the second half but just couldn't capitalize on their chances . javi gracia seems like a top manager, he's always trying to improve his squad and it's paying off gradually.

birmingham's win moves them up to 7th place and they're within striking distance of making the playoffs . i think chris davies is doing a great job with that team, they've got some talented players like gray and stansfield who can make all the difference in big games .

omg i'm loving how Birmingham City is on fire rn they're really showing some serious consistency at home and that win against Watford was huge paik seung-ho's goal was insane!! did you see it? and demarai gray's second goal was just wow, he's such a talented player anyway, i'm so hyped for the blues to make those playoffs now they've definitely earned their spot and i think they can give bristol city a run for their money