By Todd Grainger
January 3 2006

we won 2-0 ! although at a price, two more players are suspected to of been added to the ever growing injury list. We are staying up, say we are staying up! The blues claimed there first 3 points of the new year as they are set to make and assault on the rest of the premiership, after a thrilling 2-0 win over high fltin Wigan Athletic , who have now lost there last 2 games on the trot.

After just 20 minutes Jermaine Pennant headed home from Jiri Jarosik`s beautiful cross, Mario Melchiot scored his first of the afternoon after a game of pinball in the box when the ball finnaly landed to him and he slotted home from 6 yards out. During the latter of the game Heskey should of fired home his 5th of the season but failed to capitaliz when he misplaced his 8 yard-out volley.

Blues boss Steve Bruce said:-

"We've played well recently. We were the better team at Spurs, did well against Manchester United and Chelsea and carried it on here.

"It's a great start to the year and it was vital we claimed all three points.

"Our home form will be crucial to us staying up. We've been poor here but we're finally addressing it now."

Line up-

Maik Taylor, Melchiot (Martin Taylor 45), Cunningham, Upson, Lazaridis, Pennant, Izzet (Kilkenny 84), Johnson, Gray, Jarosik (Pandiani 74), Heskey.

Goals-

Pennant 20. Melchiot 33.