Aston Villa 1 Birmingham 0: Harry Redknapp loses his first game in charge of the Blues thanks to a late Gabby Agbonlahor strike in the west Midlands derby

GABBY AGBONLAHOR scored his first goal for over 14 months to beat Harry Redknapp on his Birmingham bow.

The 30-year-old came off the bench to rifle in from close range on 68 minutes, sparking wild celebrations including two fans invading the pitch.

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It was cruel on Redknapp’s organised Blues, who now have failed to win in ten games and are languishing just two points above the relegation zone.

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Redknapp, brought in earlier this week after Gianfranco Zola resigned, faces tough fixtures at home to high-flying Huddersfield and away to Bristol City as he looks to help freefalling Blues avoid the drop.

A minute’s applause in honour of ex-Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu – who passed away this week aged 44 – preceded the game.

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The first-half was pretty much a non-event with Che Adams firing over from close range the only highlight.

The derby kicked into life on 59 minutes thanks to the introduction of Agbonlahor.

The long-serving Villa player, who was brought back into the fold when Steve Bruce took over in October, took to the pitch like a man possessed.

He instantly threw himself into challenges, winding up the away supporters in the process and earning a booking within four minutes of his entrance.

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His big contribution came soon after, lashing in from six yards after some head tennis had followed a Villa corner.

It was hit first strike since netting against Norwich in the Premier League on February 6, 2016 and his fifth in the Second City derby.

Understandably, he ran off in delight, while two fans took to the pitch before being amusingly taken down by stewards and led away.

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Redknapp brought on Greg Stewart with five minutes to go and the Scot had his head in his hands after volleying wide from the edge of the area.

Villa fans responded with a chant of ‘That’s why you’re going down’.

Brum supporters face a nervous wait to see if that will be the case – or if Harry Houdini can produce some of the old magic once again.