Blues win promotion on penalties in Cardiff

Birmingham City have won promotion to the Premiership, beating Norwich City on penalties in the First Division play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 12 May.

The game ended 1-1 after extra time, and Blues scored all four of their penalties in the shoot-out, with 18-year-old Darren Carter scoring the winning kick to spark wild celebrations.

A dramatic final

Norwich took the lead early in extra time, when Iwan Roberts headed in a cross from Alex Notman. Blues responded quickly, and Geoff Horsfield equalised with a header after Stern John nodded the ball across the penalty area.

Neither side could find a winner, and the game went to penalties. Blues kept their nerve, and when Carter, the youngest player on the pitch, stepped up to take the decisive kick, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Back in the top flight

The win means Blues will play in the top flight for the first time since 1986. It ends years of frustration, including three successive defeats in the play-offs, in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

In 1999 they lost to Watford on penalties, in 2000 they were beaten by Barnsley, and last year they lost again on penalties, to Preston North End. Many fans feared the club was cursed.

They also lost the League Cup final on penalties to Liverpool in Cardiff last February, which made this victory at the same stadium all the sweeter.

Bruce's triumph

Manager Steve Bruce only arrived at St Andrew's in December, after Trevor Francis left the club in October. He has transformed the team in a matter of months, leading them from mid-table into the play-offs and now to promotion.

Bruce, the former Manchester United captain, has won over the fans with his determination and his ability to get the best out of his players. He will now be given money to strengthen the squad for the Premiership.

The road to Cardiff

Blues finished fifth in the First Division and faced Millwall in the semi-final. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at St Andrew's, Stern John scored a last-minute winner at the New Den to take Blues through. There was serious violence involving Millwall supporters after the game, which police described as some of the worst football disorder for many years.

A big summer ahead

The club's owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, have promised to back Bruce in the transfer market. Blues will need to strengthen if they are to survive in the Premiership, where many promoted clubs struggle.

The club's return to the top flight also means the return of the Second City derby against Aston Villa, which has not been played in the top flight since 1986.

Thousands of fans are expected to welcome the team home, and the city will be blue for days to come.