Blues beat Villa 2-0 to complete the derby double

Birmingham City beat Aston Villa 2-0 at St Andrew's on 20 March to complete a league double over their neighbours for the second time in three seasons.

Emile Heskey put Blues ahead early in the second half, and Julian Gray sealed the win in the closing minutes, sending the home fans into raptures.

Heskey on target

Heskey, signed from Liverpool last summer, has been one of Steve Bruce's most important players this season. The England striker's strength and pace caused problems for the Villa defence all afternoon, and he broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half.

Villa pushed for an equaliser, but Blues held firm, and Gray made sure of the points with a goal in the 89th minute. The winger has become a regular in Bruce's side since joining from Crystal Palace last year.

A crowd of more than 29,000 packed into St Andrew's for the game, refereed by Mike Riley.

A remarkable run

The win extends Blues' unbeaten run against Villa to six games, stretching back to their return to the top flight in 2002. It equals their best unbeaten run in the fixture, set in the 1930s.

In that time Blues have won four derbies and drawn two. The run began with a 3-0 win at St Andrew's in September 2002, followed by a 2-0 win at Villa Park in March 2003. Last season both games were drawn, and this season Blues have won both, winning 2-1 at Villa Park in December before today's victory.

For Villa fans, it is a painful record. Before the two clubs met in the top flight again in 2002, Villa had enjoyed the upper hand for many years, and the rivalry had been more one-sided.

O'Leary under pressure

For David O'Leary, the defeat is another setback in a disappointing season. Villa finished sixth last season, just missing out on European football, but they have struggled for consistency this time and are stuck in mid-table.

Supporters are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress, and some are directing their anger at the club's chairman, Doug Ellis, for failing to invest in the squad.

Bruce's side climbing

For Blues, the win is a welcome boost after a difficult winter. The team slipped towards the relegation zone in January, losing four league games in a row, and Bruce brought in Walter Pandiani and Jermaine Pennant on loan to add goals and creativity.

Results have improved since, and the derby win will ease any lingering fears of relegation. Blues fans will be hoping their team can finish the season strongly and build for next year.

For now, they can savour another derby win and the bragging rights that come with it.