Blues score their first top-flight goal in 16 years

Birmingham City scored their first top-flight goal for 16 years on 28 August, when Stern John converted a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Everton at St Andrew's.

The goal was also Blues' first point in the Premiership, after defeats in their opening two games since promotion.

A long wait

Blues were last in the top flight in the 1985-86 season, and their last goal at that level was scored by Robert Hopkins against Newcastle United. Since then, the club has been through relegations, changes of ownership and years of frustration in the lower divisions.

Promotion in May, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Norwich City in the play-off final, has given the club a chance to establish itself at the highest level again.

Tough start

Blues' first two games have shown how hard the Premiership will be. They lost on the opening day at Arsenal, the champions, and were beaten again in their first home game. Manager Steve Bruce has warned that there will be more tough days ahead.

But the draw with Everton showed that the team can compete. St Andrew's was packed and noisy, and the players responded with a committed performance.

Summer signings

Bruce has spent the summer strengthening his squad. Robbie Savage has joined from Leicester City, bringing energy and experience to the midfield, and Clinton Morrison has arrived from Crystal Palace to add goals.

Other new arrivals include the Republic of Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham from Wimbledon. Bruce has built a squad of hard-working players who will fight for every point.

The derby looms

Blues' fans are already looking forward to September, when Aston Villa visit St Andrew's for the first top-flight Second City derby since 1986.

The rivalry between the two clubs is one of the fiercest in English football, and the first league meeting for 16 years is expected to be one of the most keenly awaited games of the season.

Staying up

Bruce has made clear that survival is the only target this season. Many promoted clubs have gone straight back down, and Blues will need to pick up points steadily to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

The club's owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, have backed their manager with money for new players, and are hoping for a long stay in the Premiership.

John, a Trinidad and Tobago international who joined from Nottingham Forest earlier this year, stepped up to take the penalty with the whole ground holding its breath, and his calm finish brought a huge roar from the crowd.

For the fans who have waited so long to see their team at this level, the first goal and the first point are a moment to savour.