Blues fans are today saluting their very own “Captain Marvel” after Carlos Edwards’ wonder strike sunk Derby County at the weekend.
The 34-year-old has endured a tough season, with the Blues struggling to create chances, but has taken Town’s survival battle by the scruff of the neck in recent weeks.
His late, winning strike three weeks ago against Bolton was followed by a spectacular last-gasp effort at Pride Park on Saturday which earned his team a 1-0 victory and got them very much out of jail.
With just five games to go, the Blues sit six points clear of the relegation zone on 53 points, ahead of tough home games against Hull City and Crystal Palace, and are almost safe.
The Blues were on the back-foot for the majority, and were indebted to Scott Loach’s penalty save and some poor finishing for keeping the scores level.
But when the chips are down, the Blues show desire by the bucketful and led by Edwards, engineered yet another crucial three points.
But few would have predicted the drama that lay ahead when Edwards picked the ball up in the centre of midfield.
After a demanding 90 minutes, in which he picked up a nasty blow on the ankle, following a late tackle by Richard Forsyth, the super-cool veteran took aim and beat England Under-21 ‘keeper Frank Fielding with a thunderous drive, before celebrating with Town’s jubilant fans.
“Did we deserve the points? No, they were better than us. They missed a penalty – or we saved a penalty – whichever way you want to look at it,” said manager Mick McCarthy.
“We’ve had to stick at it because we’ve not played particularly well. And we had that bit of quality at the end with a great strike. Carlos is 34 and he produces that after 93 minutes.”
Fellow hero Loach also hailed Edwards’ contribution, joking: “It was a great strike. Carlos’ goals are like London buses.
“He doesn’t score in two years then gets two in quick succession.
“He is a leader and he is not the only one.”