AMSTERDAM – Jonathan Spector returned to the Birmingham City starting line-up in winning fashion as the visitors edged out a 1-0 Championship victory at Reading on Wednesday night.
The veteran handyman worked whistle to whistle on the right side of a three-man back line as the Brums posted their first shutout in nine games. Making his first start in a month, Spector fared well as manager Gary Rowatt tried out a new 3-5-2 formation. Dabbling in a bit of everything, the Illinois native notched three clearances, two tackles, two pass interceptions at the gate to the area, two shot blocks at the top of the box and a pair of cross smothers.
While late scratch Daniel Williams sat out with a knock for Reading, the home fans got their first look at 18-year-old American striker Andrija Novakovich in the 81st minute.
Novakovich – who bagged his first goal for the Reading Under-21s this past weekend – only had time to complete both his passes and pick up a foul. The result lifted Birmingham to 13th place, while the Royals remained winless in seven league games down in 19th.
Over in Norway, Mjøndalen center back Rhett Bernstein limped off late as the visitors scored a 7-0 rout of outclassed NM Cupen first round hosts Vestefoss. Before leaving, the defender narrowly missed scoring his first goal for the club with an early second half restart header.
Elsewhere, Molde FK teen netminder Ethan Horvath continued to make it look easy in cup play, backstopping a 2-0 win away to mites Brattvåg. The Colorado native has now won his first three pro starts by shutout, all in NM Cupen action.
Zarek Valentin ably held down right back as Bodø/Glimt advanced to the second round with a 6-0 cruise through Kirkenes.
