Considering the league positions of the two teams and the fierce rivalry between the two local clubs, this game was always going to be one of the most important and entertaining games of the season.

Within minutes of kick-off it was clear that the second-city derby was going to be a tasty affair and despite being on the back foot in the opening exchanges, Villa took the lead after only ten minutes through Milan Baros.

After good work from Milner on the wing, Hughes put a teasing ball into the visitors' box and from only eight yards out, Baros calmly controlled the ball before blasting it into the net to send the home fans into raptures.

With both teams continuing to show attacking intent, the game was proving to be very open but both sides were dealt a major blow midway through the half as Dunn limped off for Birmingham and Villa's Steven Davis picked up an ankle injury prompting David O'Leary to introduce young Craig Gardner in his place.

Following a tough spell camped in their own box, Villa's resolve was finally broken 25 minutes in when Heskey and Sutton linked up well before the latter drilled the ball past Thomas Sorensen to get the city's inferior side on level terms.

Both sides had chances before the end of the half but with the strikers failing to make the most of any opportunities, the half ended on level terms.

However, just nine minutes into the second half, Aston Villa's young defender Gary Cahill scored his first ever goal in just his fourth appearance and he did it in some style.

Following Tebily's weak header which rebounded off Kevin Phillips, Cahill acrobatically threw himself into the air and with the style of a world-class striker, performed an amazing bicycle kick which flew into the top corner. Once again, the roof was raised off Villa Park.

With Birmingham desperately searching for an equaliser, the Villans resorted to a counter attacking style and with 12 minutes of the game remaining, Milan Baros scored his second goal of the game to wrap up three precious points for the home side.

A slick move involving James Milner and Juan Pablo Angel ended with Baros firing the ball across Maik Taylor and inside the far post to confirm not just three points for Villa, but also their Premiership safety and the official recognition as the Midlands' superior team.

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