FRY ON A HIGH

BLUES boss Barry Fry saluted his side's best League performance of 1996 but believes heroics are required if they are to reach the playoffs.

City have moved to within five points of sixth-placed Huddersfield but face four of their last six matches away from home.

Fry said: "We've got to pull out all the stops to reach the playoffs, but it's still possible.

"I was delighted with that performance against the division's in- form team."

Birmingham were inspired by Jonathan Hunt in midfield and quickly took command when Paul Barnes broke the deadlock in the 16th minute.

Centre back Andy Edwards turned Hunt's free kick back across goal and Barnes headed past Paul Musselwhite.

Vale, unbeaten in their previous 12 league games, hardly mustered a shot and Blues established a vice-like grip when Paul Peschisolido scored after a one-two with Hunt.

Paul Tait killed off the game in the 59th minute and Vale's consolation from Andy Porter was their first decent effort.

Copyright 1996 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.