27

Birmingham v Wigan

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin


Live text and stats

Saturday, 27 February 2010

Premier League

Barclays Premier League
Venue: St Andrew’s Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010 Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day

Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson is expected to recover from an ankle problem in time to play against Wigan.

Manager Alex McLeish must decide whether to continue with James McFadden in preference to Christian Benitez.

Wigan’s Titus Bramble remains doubtful with the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the defeat by Tottenham.

James McCarthy suffered a kick on his ankle in that game and could also miss out, but manager Roberto Martinez otherwise has a fully-fit squad.

Birmingham

Doubtful: Ferguson (ankle) Injured: Carsley (ankle), O’Connor (hip)

Wigan

Doubtful: Bramble (hamstring), McCarthy (ankle)

Both sides will welcome a return to the West Midlands as they seek to address their faltering form.


Birmingham are unbeaten at home since September, while Wigan’s only league win since November was at Wolves last month.

Successive league defeats on the road have tempered expectation at Birmingham. The club record 12-match unbeaten run that continued into the new year raised hopes of qualifying for Europe, but manager Alex McLeish is now more interested in earning the win that will give them 40 points and surely secure their place in the top-flight for another season.

Wigan’s position is far more precarious, with last weekend’s defeat by Tottenham leaving them just two points above the relegation zone.

Manager Roberto Martinez believes his side have been unfortunate, citing Tottenham’s opening goal when scorer Jermain Defoe was clearly offside. However, the fact Wigan have lost an unsurpassed 16 points from winning positions suggests that luck is not all they lack.

Head-to-head

Birmingham are looking to complete the league double over Wigan for the first time.

Wigan have never won in all six previous league and cup visits to St Andrew’s (D3, L3).


Birmingham

They have only won one of their last six league games and lost consecutive matches for the first time since October.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last nine home league matches (W5, D4), their longest unbeaten run in a top-flight season since a 14-match streak from November 1973 to April 1974.

Only Wolves and Portsmouth have scored fewer league goals than Birmingham’s tally of 25 this season.

Kevin Phillips has scored 249 career goals.

Liam Ridgewell is poised to make his 100th start for Birmingham.

Wigan

Wigan are winless in six league games and their only victory in 12 matches was against Wolves on 16 January.

Not scored in the second half of their last five league matches since Gary Caldwell’s goal in their 2-1 defeat at Blackburn on January 27.

Wigan captain Mario Melchiot made 56 appearances for Birmingham between 2004-06.

Birmingham

Bowyer: 6 goals (5 league); Jerome: 5 goals (5 league)

Wigan

Rodallega: 7 goals (7 league); N’Zogbia: 6 goals (4 league)

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Assistant referees: Trevor Massey & Phil Sharp

Fourth official: Steve Bennett

Birmingham (L1-2 v Fulham, a): Hart; Carr, Dann, Johnson, Ridgewell, Fahey, Bowyer, Ferguson (Michel 90), Larsson (Gardner 68), McFadden, Jerome (Phillips 77). Subs not used: Taylor, Benitez, Parnaby, Vignal.

Wigan (L0-3 v Tottenham, h): Kirkland; Melchiot, Caldwell, Scharner, Figueroa, Thomas (Moses 56), Diame, McCarthy, N’Zogbia, Moreno (Sinclair 76), Rodallega. Subs not used: Stojkovic, Watson, Scotland, Gomez, Boyce.

Wigan scorers: N’Zogbia 33, Gomez 89

Birmingham scorers: Larsson 61, 72, Benitez 66

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27

Proud McLeish amazed by his Blues

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says his team have achieved more than he could possibly have imagined in their first season back in the top flight.

Blues remain in the top half of the Premier League thanks to their 15-game unbeaten run from October to January.

And McLeish told BBC WM: “I could never have believed they could do that in my wildest dreams.

“But the evidence is there. They should realise they’ve got that in their locker to do it again.”

McLeish says some of his new players, especially those like Scott Dann and Roger Johnson who have come up from the division below, have shown remarkable qualities.

“The plaudits the players have received this season, they should build on,” he said. “It’s about consistency. I said to them in the early part of the season it’s not about playing two or three good games.

“That’s invariably what happens when you pluck a player from a small club to come to a big club.

“It’s really too much for them sometimes mentally and physically to play more than three or four good games until they adjust to playing for a big club.


“But, for our lads, to go that 15 games, was absolutely phenomenal.”

However, McLeish believes his team have even more to offer.

“That’s the challenge to them every single week. I believe they’re even better than they think they are.

“It’s up to every individual to try and improve and to get himself to another level, and never think they’re the finished article. Prove themselves every single week.”

After Blues’ defeat at Fulham, their second successive League loss, McLeish expressed concern that expectations in some quarters – within the club as well as outside it – had risen unrealistically high, with some expecting a push to qualify for Europe.

And he feels that the players’ achievements have sometimes been underestimated.

“I suppose there’s a sense of that as well,” he said. “I certainly feel that talk of bubbles bursting, honeymoon’s over, for me those kinds of comments are ludicrous.

“To go the 15 games, it’s more like a Zeppelin that’s been burst rather than a bubble.

“I think that it’s unfair to put that pressure on the players, and there’s no real evidence that we should be getting a European place.

“The guys that get to Europe and win the leagues, have players in the team that are scoring 16 or 17 goals, and the second one behind them’s on about 12.

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“It would be well-nigh impossible for us to get into Europe unless our strikers go on a hot streak.

“They shouldn’t ever rest on their laurels and be complacent, and think ‘OK, we’ve done the job, tools down, let’s relax.’”

Despite his worry that expectations among some of the directors might have got a little out of hand, McLeish thinks the board see the club’s expected future progress the same way he does.

“I’ve obviously had to to make sure we don’t go in too giant steps rather than the little steps in terms of budgets,” he added. “Especially when you see the plight of somebody like Portsmouth.

“That has made everybody associated with clubs sit up and take notice.

“They’ve agreed to follow the plans that I have for the club. They’ll certainly have their input as well and we’ll work together. Nobody’s demanding anything from either party.”

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27

Fulham 2-1 Birmingham

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin


Bobby Zamora curled in a late free-kick to earn Fulham a come-from-behind win.

Birmingham were gifted the opening goal when Chris Baird headed into his own net from Lee Bowyer’s right-wing cross.

Baird then blocked superbly from Keith Fahey before Damien Duff played a one-two with Zoltan Gera and smashed a 20-yard shot in off the post to equalise.

Mark Schwarzer superbly tipped James McFadden’s 25-yard shot on to the bar but Fulham snatched victory when Zamora put his free-kick into the top corner.

It was a result that had looked unlikely after the opening half, where Fulham struggled to shake of the effects of having played in the Europa League on Thursday.

Hodgson impressed with wonder strikes

And Birmingham, having been given an early advantage after Baird’s error, appeared able to comfortably keep their opponents at arm’s length.

A win for Birmingham would have taken them to the landmark total of 40 points and would have virtually guaranteed their Premier League status for next season.

And throughout the first half it seemed that outcome was inevitable as a Fulham appeared jaded and short of ideas.

Instead, Birmingham will leave London wondering how they managed to take nothing from the capital again – as they had done in their previous four visits.

They will look back at the tremendous save from Schwarzer that kept McFadden’s shot out, but credit must be given to Fulham for raising their game and overcoming a truly dreadful start.

Baird, too, will be mightily relieved after his error of misjudgement that saw him thump a header into the top corner of his own goal after only three minutes.


The former Southampton defender went some way to atone for his mistake when he brilliantly blocked Fahey’s shot as the visitors pressed to double their advantage.

Birmingham went on to largely control the opening half as Fulham looked well below par.

The hosts did threaten twice, but Joe Hart was easily equal to a volley and, later, a header from Simon Davies.

Fulham improved after the break and as a result they began to push Birmingham back.

And as the visitors defended from deep, they invited Duff on to their cost when the winger cut in from the right, exchanged passes with Gera and cracked home a belting shot.

That sparked a spell of pressure for Fulham, although they were unable to create clear chances.

And they nearly succumbed to a rare counter-attack from Birmingham when McFadden came inches away from making it 2-1.

As the final whistle approached it seemed the two sides – who started the match adjacent to each other in the mid-section of the table – would not be separated.

Alex McLeish

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Zamora was the difference – McLeish

But Zamora, under the gaze of England manager Fabio Capello in the stands, expertly curled home a 20-yard free-kick to earn his side victory.

The goal – Zamora’s 15th goal in 32 starts – will give Capello food for thought ahead of the World Cup, while it also saw Fulham leapfrog Birmingham in the table.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
“We got off to the worst possible start with the own goal aftrr three minutes. But to come in at half-time 1-0 down after the way we had played was harsh on the players.

I knew it was going to be tough in the second half, as we’d had a tough week and I was worried that we would not be able to keep it going.

“We were fortunate with the wonder strike from James McFadden that hit the underside of the crossbar but otherwise I thought we were really good value for our victory.

“We had more shots, more opportunities and more of the play – we had to dig deep and score two great goals to win it, but we got there in the end.”

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish:
“We lost because of two pieces of inspiration from Fulham, the finishes were brilliant. That is the difference in quality that we have to aspire to.

“I didn’t feel there was any real rhythm from either team and I felt it was a nothing game until Damien Duff took a hand in proceedings.

“And Bobby Zamora was the big difference. Today, my players had a hard game against one of the best strikers in the league.

“If they are going to step up to the next level, they have to overcome players like him.”


Live text and stats

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Premier League


  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+4:25 The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
  • 90:00+2:03 Substitution Chris Smalling is brought on as a substitute for Danny Murphy.
  • 90:00+0:03 Substitution Michel comes on in place of Barry Ferguson.
  • 90:00+0:03 GOAL – Bobby Zamora:Fulham 2 – 1 Birmingham Bobby Zamora grabs a goal direct from the free kick from just outside the area to the top left corner of the goal. Fulham
    2-1 Birmingham.
  • 88:44 Zoltan Gera fouled by Stephen Carr, the ref awards a free kick.
  • 85:54 Effort from 20 yards by Danny Murphy. Save by Joe Hart.
  • 85:38 Chris Baird crosses the ball.
  • 84:34 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Lee Bowyer by Danny Murphy. Barry Ferguson takes the direct free kick.
  • 83:01 Foul by James McFadden on Bobby Zamora, free kick awarded. Mark Schwarzer restarts play with the free kick.
  • 82:33 Liam Ridgewell fouled by Bobby Zamora, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 82:10 Substitution Simon Davies goes off and Bjorn Helge Riise comes on.
  • 81:26 Centre by James McFadden, save made by Mark Schwarzer.
  • 79:11 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Roger Johnson by Dickson Etuhu. Joe Hart restarts play with the free kick.
  • 77:17 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Save by Mark Schwarzer.
  • 76:10 Substitution Kevin Phillips replaces Cameron Jerome.
  • 75:01 Stephen Carr sends in a cross, Brede Hangeland makes a clearance.
  • 74:17 Barry Ferguson has an effort at goal from 20 yards. Blocked by Brede Hangeland.
  • 73:29 Handball decision goes against Bobby Zamora. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 72:56 Stephen Carr challenges Simon Davies unfairly and gives away a free kick. Mark Schwarzer takes the direct free kick.
  • 71:10 The ball is delivered by James McFadden.
  • 69:18 Shot by James McFadden.
  • 68:06 Cameron Jerome fouled by Dickson Etuhu, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Stephen Carr, save by
    Mark Schwarzer.
  • 67:10 Substitution Sebastian Larsson leaves the field to be replaced by Craig Gardner.
  • 66:55 A cross is delivered by Chris Baird.
  • 65:51 Direct free kick taken by Brede Hangeland.
  • 65:51 Booking James McFadden receives a yellow card.
  • 65:44 James McFadden gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Brede Hangeland.
  • 64:45 The ball is sent over by Damien Duff.
  • 64:15 Shot from 18 yards from James McFadden. Save made by Mark Schwarzer.
  • 63:32 The ball is delivered by Liam Ridgewell.
  • 62:35 Joe Hart takes the direct free kick.
  • 62:35 Booking Booking for Damien Duff.
  • 62:31 Free kick awarded for a foul by Damien Duff on James McFadden.
  • 61:36 Foul by Scott Dann on Bobby Zamora, free kick awarded. Danny Murphy restarts play with the free kick.
  • 58:55 Assist by Zoltan Gera.
  • 58:55 GOAL – Damien Duff:Fulham 1 – 1 Birmingham Damien Duff finds the back of the net with a goal from just outside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal.
    Fulham 1-1 Birmingham.
  • 58:25 The ball is swung over by Nicky Shorey, clearance by Liam Ridgewell.
  • Correction – 57:37 Damien Duff fouled by Liam Ridgewell, the ref awards a free kick. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Damien Duff, clearance
    made by Cameron Jerome.
  • 57:37 Free kick awarded for a foul by Liam Ridgewell on Damien Duff. Damien Duff crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed
    from right wing, clearance made by Cameron Jerome.
  • 56:39 Centre by Damien Duff, save made by Joe Hart.
  • 56:16 Damien Duff delivers the ball, Lee Bowyer manages to make a clearance.
  • 53:59 Effort on goal by Cameron Jerome from 12 yards. Mark Schwarzer makes a save.
  • 52:51 Bobby Zamora has a volleyed shot. Joe Hart makes a save.
  • 52:30 Foul by Cameron Jerome on Chris Baird, free kick awarded. Chris Baird takes the direct free kick.
  • 51:54 Keith Fahey has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box which goes wide left of the goal.
  • 49:46 Simon Davies fouled by Stephen Carr, the ref awards a free kick. Mark Schwarzer takes the direct free kick.
  • 49:02 Free kick awarded for a foul by Danny Murphy on Lee Bowyer. Free kick taken by Barry Ferguson.
  • 45:57 Centre by Bobby Zamora.
  • 45:34 Roger Johnson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Zoltan Gera. Free kick taken by Zoltan Gera.
  • 45:13 Foul by Barry Ferguson on Zoltan Gera, free kick awarded. Aaron Hughes takes the direct free kick.
  • 45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:05 It is the end of the first-half.
  • 45:00+0:43 James McFadden sends in a cross, Mark Schwarzer makes a save.
  • 43:52 James McFadden concedes a free kick for a foul on Chris Baird. Free kick taken by Mark Schwarzer.
  • 43:06 Liam Ridgewell fouled by Bobby Zamora, the ref awards a free kick. Joe Hart restarts play with the free kick.
  • 40:21 The referee blows for offside against Bobby Zamora. Indirect free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 38:54 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson played to the near post.
  • 36:46 The ball is delivered by Zoltan Gera, Bobby Zamora has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of
    the target.
  • 34:58 Nicky Shorey delivers the ball, Lee Bowyer makes a clearance.
  • 33:35 Sebastian Larsson takes a shot. Blocked by Dickson Etuhu.
  • Correction – 31:42 Zoltan Gera produces a cross, Simon Davies takes a shot. Fantastic save by Joe Hart.
  • 31:42 Centre by Zoltan Gera, Simon Davies takes a shot. Joe Hart makes a brilliant save.
  • 31:07 A cross is delivered by Sebastian Larsson, save made by Mark Schwarzer.
  • 28:36 A cross is delivered by Chris Baird, Stephen Carr makes a clearance.
  • 27:55 James McFadden delivers the ball, clearance by Brede Hangeland.
  • 25:56 Damien Duff takes a shot from inside the box clearing the bar.
  • 22:51 Outswinging corner taken by Simon Davies from the right by-line.
  • 20:21 James McFadden fouled by Danny Murphy, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 20:10 Damien Duff delivers the ball, Scott Dann makes a clearance.
  • 17:24 A cross is delivered by Damien Duff.
  • 16:08 Corner taken by Simon Davies from the right by-line, Header from deep inside the penalty area by Brede Hangeland goes harmlessly
    over the crossbar.
  • 13:26 Shot by Cameron Jerome from outside the box goes high over the target.
  • 12:51 Bobby Zamora is ruled offside. Joe Hart takes the free kick.
  • 10:42 Bobby Zamora fouled by Scott Dann, the ref awards a free kick. Danny Murphy delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed
    from right wing, clearance made by Cameron Jerome.
  • 8:46 Volleyed right-footed shot by Simon Davies. Save made by Joe Hart. Simon Davies decides to take a short corner. Shot from
    just outside the box by Damien Duff misses to the left of the goal.
  • Correction – 7:57 Keith Fahey takes a shot. Blocked by Aaron Hughes.
  • 7:57 Keith Fahey takes a shot. Aaron Hughes gets a block in.
  • 7:52 The ball is crossed by Cameron Jerome, Brede Hangeland gets a block in.
  • 6:38 Damien Duff fouled by Liam Ridgewell, the ref awards a free kick. Danny Murphy produces a cross, Nicky Shorey has an effort
    at goal from outside the area which misses left.
  • 4:56 Chris Baird fouled by Cameron Jerome, the ref awards a free kick. Aaron Hughes restarts play with the free kick.
  • 3:00 Cameron Jerome concedes a free kick for a foul on Aaron Hughes. Free kick taken by Aaron Hughes. The ball is swung over by
    Damien Duff.
  • 2:10 Assist by Lee Bowyer.
  • 2:10 GOAL – Chris Baird:Fulham 0 – 1 Birmingham Chris Baird heads into his own net. Fulham 0-1 Birmingham.
  • 1:50 Foul by Danny Murphy on Lee Bowyer, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Liam Ridgewell.
  • Correction – 1:21 James McFadden has an effort at goal. Save made by Mark Schwarzer.
  • 1:21 James McFadden has a drilled shot. Mark Schwarzer makes a comfortable save.
  • 0:03 Danny Murphy fouled by Cameron Jerome, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Danny Murphy.
  • 0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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27

McLeish keen to keep keeper Hart

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish wants to keep on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart at St Andrew’s for at least another season.

McLeish would like to make the 22-year-old keeper’s move permanent but failing that he hopes to extend the loan deal.

McLeish said: “I’ve put into the system that our chief executive should be talking to City about next season.

“Joe loves it here and we’d like to think we have improved him with some of the things we have worked on.”

Hart has made 66 starts for City since joining from Shrewsbury in 2006 but his first-team chances have been limited since the arrival of Shay Given from Newcastle last February.


Hart has been at St Andrew’s since the start of the season and has impressed in Birmingham’s run to eighth in the top flight.

Only Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa have conceded fewer Premier League goals than Birmingham’s 26 this season.

“We spoke to City a couple of months ago but not since then, and Joe has had no contact from them,” added McLeish.

“Joe loves his team-mates here, he loves the club and the ambience. When you have the feelgood factor, the players can give their best and play without fear.

“If I can’t get Hart permanently, would I settle for another loan season? Yes.


“We have ironed out a few rough edges and I hope City recognise that and give us a bit of goodwill for next season.”

McLeish believes that Hart should go to the World Cup with Fabio Capello’s England squad, but not be first choice goalkeeper.

“I met Fabio at a dinner and he expressed his delight at Joe,” said McLeish. “He is pleased he is playing games every week. I am sure Fabio will have his name ticked for the trip to South Africa.

“But it would be a massive step to throw a young keeper who has only one cap into a World Cup.

“Joe could handle it but it would be better to be fed into the system before you embark on a World Cup finals.

“If he was to make one error in South Africa, it is there for the whole world to see.

“You are scrutinised and the media are relentless in their persecution of people who make a mistake at that level.

“He should be eased in. I would think Capello will rely on experience in South Africa in terms of who plays.”

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27

Derby 1-2 Birmingham

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin


Liam Ridgewell scored a 91st-minute winner as Birmingham came from behind to beat Derby and reach their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2006.

Cameron Jerome and Shaun Barker both went close to opening the scoring in a dour first half shaded by Derby.

After the interval Jay McEveley put the hosts ahead with a powerful effort that Joe Hart could only push into the net.

But Scott Dann headed James McFadden’s corner home before Ridgewell poked in after Kevin Phillips had hit a post.

Birmingham had lost their previous two away games but bounced back in spirited fashion to maintain their unbeaten record at Pride Park and book a place in the last eight.


The two-time runners-up are now one win away from a first trip to the new Wembley Stadium, which hosts the semi-finals on 10 and 11 April and the final on 15 May.

Derby might be kicking themselves for failing to hold on to their lead but must quickly re-focus back to the Championship, with the visit of Preston on Tuesday and Swansea on Saturday.

They Rams arrived with only one defeat in their previous seven matches, a sequence in which they saw off Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle without conceding a goal.

So it was hardly surprising that they set the tempo early on, knocking the ball around with confidence, putting the visitors on the back foot and probing for a route to goal.

But Birmingham’s defence, so solid all season, held firm and as the half wore on the Blues began to look dangerous.

Blues boss Alex McLeish had recalled Sebastian Larsson, James McFadden and Christian Benitez, thus sending out the same line-up which went unchanged for 12 matches before Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at West Ham.

A Lee Bowyer drive was gathered by Stephen Bywater at the second attempt before Jerome’s curling effort was expertly palmed around the post for a corner.

Birmingham looked the more likely scorers at that stage but Derby, inspired by former Blue Robbie Savage, were working hard to swing the momentum back in their direction.

Joe Hart saved well at his near post to deny Stephen Pearson and Rob Hulse arrived too fractionally too late after Kris Commons produced a fine solo run and cross from the right.

Derby almost took the lead shortly before half-time when Shaun Barker headed a Robbie Savage free-kick towards goal from about four yards, only for Hart to scramble the ball clear.

But the England goalkeeper arguably should have done better with the goal – McEveley riding a couple of challenges before unleashing a fierce left-footed shot which he could only push into the roof of the net.

Derby, winners in 1946 and bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1996, went in search of a second but Birmingham kept their composure and repelled all that was thrown at them.

The Blues then set about restoring parity and, after substitute Phillips was superbly denied by Bywater, their reward arrived as Dann out-jumped Barker to power home McFadden’s corner.

Birmingham were suddenly stirring and, urged on by their travelling support who heckled the superb Savage all match, they went for the winner.

Derby came under increasing pressure but looked like holding out for a replay until their hopes were dashed a minute into stoppage time.

Phillips controlled fellow-substitute Craig Gardner’s scuffed free-kick and shot against the post. As the ball rolled along the goal line, Ridgewell arrived to stab it home and cue Birmingham’s celebrations.

Savage went close with a 35-yard drive just before full-time but Derby boss Nigel Clough, whose father Brian Clough never won the FA Cup, will have to wait until next year for another crack of the whip.

Derby manager Nigel Clough told BBC Radio Derby:
“I thought overall that we deserved at least a replay and we do feel slightly hard done by.

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“Stephen Bywater did not have much to do and we created enough situations ourselves when 1-0 up and did not sit back.

“We were as comfortable as anyone can be when facing a team lying eighth in the Premier League but we were undone by two set plays. We look at the two goals and there was certainly an element of bad luck about them both.”

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish:
“We looked as if we were on our way out of the Cup. Derby troubled us before half-time and we didn’t really get going until we made some changes.

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“But once again the team demonstrated the fantastic determination they have produced time and time again this season.

“What we have to do now is maintain our form. If you get cocky and complacent the roof can cave in but we have got a lot of leaders in that dressing room.”


Live text and stats

Saturday, 13 February 2010

The FA Cup


  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+8:08 The referee brings the game to a close.
  • 90:00+4:11 Robbie Savage takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart. Corner taken by Kris Commons from the right by-line, Scott Dann manages to make
    a clearance.
  • 90:00+3:51 Craig Gardner gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Pearson. Stephen Bywater takes the direct free kick.
  • 90:00+2:50 GOAL – Liam Ridgewell:Derby 1 – 2 Birmingham Liam Ridgewell grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Derby 1-2 Birmingham.
  • 90:00+0:17 Michael Tonge is penalised for a handball. Scott Dann produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, blocked by Jake Buxton.
    Shot by Kevin Phillips from inside the penalty area hits the post.
  • 89:30 Booking Craig Gardner is given a yellow card.
  • 88:52 Unfair challenge on Robbie Savage by Kevin Phillips results in a free kick. Robbie Savage crosses the ball from the free kick
    right-footed from left wing.
  • 88:20 Corner taken right-footed by Michael Tonge to the near post, Craig Gardner makes a clearance.
  • 87:35 Rob Hulse challenges Barry Ferguson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Joe Hart takes the direct free kick.
  • 81:50 Substitution Craig Gardner on for James McFadden.
  • 80:41 James McFadden takes a shot. Jake Buxton gets a block in.
  • 80:07 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kris Commons on Lee Bowyer. Barry Ferguson takes the direct free kick.
  • 78:49 A cross is delivered by Roger Johnson, Nicky Hunt manages to make a clearance.
  • 78:16 Scott Dann delivers the ball, clearance made by James McEveley.
  • 76:50 The referee blows for offside against Cameron Jerome. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Bywater.
  • 75:36 Rob Hulse gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Roger Johnson. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Carr.
  • 74:54 Cameron Jerome challenges James McEveley unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stephen Bywater takes the free kick.
  • 74:04 Scott Dann gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rob Hulse. Free kick taken by Kris Commons.
  • 73:24 Foul by Rob Hulse on Roger Johnson, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 72:05 Assist on the goal came from James McFadden.
  • 72:05 GOAL – Scott Dann:Derby 1 – 1 Birmingham Scott Dann scores a headed goal from close range. Derby 1-1 Birmingham.
  • 71:49 Corner from the right by-line taken by James McFadden,
  • 69:44 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by James McFadden from the right by-line, Liam Ridgewell has a headed effort from close
    range and clears the bar.
  • 69:29 Kevin Phillips takes a shot. Save by Stephen Bywater.
  • 69:00 Unfair challenge on Lee Bowyer by Kris Commons results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 67:52 Barry Ferguson takes a shot. Jake Buxton gets a block in.
  • 67:13 Centre by Rob Hulse.
  • 65:04 Unfair challenge on Nicky Hunt by Cameron Jerome results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Bywater.
  • 63:52 Substitution Christian Benitez goes off and Kevin Phillips comes on.
  • 63:52 Substitution Keith Fahey on for Sebastian Larsson.
  • 61:47 Barry Ferguson takes the free kick.
  • 61:47 Booking Robbie Savage is cautioned.
  • 61:26 Free kick awarded for a foul by Robbie Savage on Christian Benitez.
  • 58:59 Centre by Stephen Carr, blocked by Stephen Pearson. Corner taken left-footed by James McFadden from the right by-line, Jake
    Buxton makes a clearance. Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shaun Barker by James McFadden. Direct free kick taken
    by Stephen Bywater.
  • 58:27 Kris Commons takes a shot. Save made by Joe Hart.
  • 57:50 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Pearson on Lee Bowyer. Free kick taken by Barry Ferguson.
  • 57:19 Kris Commons takes a shot. Save made by Joe Hart.
  • 55:25 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Pearson on Stephen Carr. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 55:13 A cross is delivered by James McEveley, clearance made by Roger Johnson.
  • 54:13 GOAL – James McEveley:Derby 1 – 0 Birmingham Goal scored by James McEveley from outside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Derby 1-0 Birmingham.
  • 54:03 Michael Tonge produces a cross, Roger Johnson makes a clearance.
  • 52:42 Cameron Jerome sends in a cross. The referee blows for offside. Stephen Bywater restarts play with the free kick.
  • 52:01 The ball is swung over by Michael Tonge, clearance made by Roger Johnson.
  • Correction – 51:31 The ball is crossed by Nicky Hunt, clearance by Scott Dann.
  • 51:31 Nicky Hunt produces a cross, Roger Johnson makes a clearance.
  • 51:02 Rob Hulse fouled by Scott Dann, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Kris Commons.
  • 50:05 Michael Tonge challenges Lee Bowyer unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 47:20 The ball is delivered by James McEveley.
  • 46:35 Michael Tonge sends in a cross, save by Joe Hart.
  • 45:50 Robbie Savage is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Sebastian Larsson. Sebastian Larsson
    sends in a cross, Shaun Barker makes a clearance.
  • 45:31 The assistant referee signals for offside against Rob Hulse. Free kick taken by Joe Hart.
  • 45:01 The referee starts the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:11 The ref blows to end the first period.
  • 45:00+0:11 Shot from just outside the box by Stephen Pearson goes over the crossbar.
  • 44:06 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nicky Hunt on Lee Bowyer. Joe Hart takes the direct free kick.
  • 40:09 Shaun Barker takes a shot. Liam Ridgewell makes a clearance. Centre by Michael Tonge, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty
    area by Shaun Barker goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
  • 39:27 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sebastian Larsson on Stephen Pearson. Direct free kick taken by Robbie Savage.
  • 38:57 A cross is delivered by Kris Commons.
  • 38:25 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Pearson on Sebastian Larsson. Stephen Carr restarts play with the free kick.
  • 37:19 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Cameron Jerome by Shaun Barker. Free kick taken by Sebastian Larsson.
  • 36:19 Effort from inside the penalty area by Stephen Pearson hits the post.
  • 35:02 Scott Dann challenges Kris Commons unfairly and gives away a free kick. Robbie Savage takes the free kick, Effort from outside
    the penalty area by James McEveley goes wide left of the goal.
  • 33:46 Cameron Jerome takes a shot. Save made by Stephen Bywater. Corner from the right by-line taken by James McFadden, Close range
    header by Roger Johnson goes over the crossbar.
  • 32:43 The ball is sent over by Liam Ridgewell, Christian Benitez takes a shot. Stephen Bywater makes a save.
  • 31:48 Lee Bowyer takes a shot. Stephen Bywater makes a save.
  • 30:57 Stephen Pearson delivers the ball, blocked by Sebastian Larsson.
  • 30:47 James McEveley produces a cross, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
  • 30:39 James McEveley sends in a cross, clearance by Roger Johnson.
  • 28:06 Stephen Pearson produces a cross, Barry Ferguson makes a clearance.
  • 27:37 Free kick awarded for a foul by Scott Dann on Rob Hulse. Nicky Hunt takes the direct free kick.
  • 25:44 The assistant referee flags for offside against Christian Benitez. Robbie Savage restarts play with the free kick.
  • 24:31 Kris Commons fouled by Roger Johnson, the ref awards a free kick. Kris Commons takes the free kick.
  • 16:48 Cameron Jerome is ruled offside. Jake Buxton restarts play with the free kick.
  • 16:07 Foul by Liam Ridgewell on Robbie Savage, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Bywater.
  • 13:26 James McEveley crosses the ball, clearance made by Lee Bowyer.
  • 10:15 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson.
  • 4:05 Pass corner from right by-line crossed in by Kris Commons.
  • 3:21 Corner taken by James McFadden, Paul Green makes a clearance.
  • 2:19 A cross is delivered by Liam Ridgewell, clearance made by James McEveley.
  • 0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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27

Ferguson ‘would welcome 50th cap’

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin

Barry Ferguson would like to reach a milestone of 50 Scotland caps, according to his elder brother, Derek.

Ferguson was banned from Scotland for misdemeanours while on international duty, but Derek is unsure if Barry will return to Craig Levein’s squad.

“I don’t think Barry is going to make a decision until the summer,” Derek Ferguson told BBC Scotland.

“But he loves playing for his country – he has 45 caps – and I’m sure he would love to make it to 50.”

Ferguson, 32, and his then-Rangers colleague, Allan McGregor, were involved in a late-night drinking session under former manager George Burley after a World Cup qualifying defeat in Holland.

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Both were banned by the Scottish Football Association after making gestures while on the substitutes’ bench against Iceland and Rangers manager Walter Smith fined and suspended the duo for a fortnight.

Ferguson subsequently moved to Birmingham City to join his former Ibrox manager, Alex McLeish.

The story continues to generate intense media interest, with the new Scotland manager Levein stating that he is free to choose any players deemed fit to play in any future Scotland squad.

“He’s spoken to Craig a couple of times and he has a lot of respect for him, but there are some issues that are maybe playing on Barry’s mind,” said Derek, who himself played for Rangers and Hearts.

“Is the Tartan Army going to welcome him back? I don’t think he’s too sure.

“People make mistakes and I would say to the Tartan Army that he made a massive mistake. They were wrong to do what they did and Barry has apologised.

“There’s sometimes a bit of a witch-hunt going on, but I don’t think he needs to make a big apology. He’s apologised to the right people.

“He has a lot of thinking to do and the big factor is Craig Levein. If there’s one man that will sway him and get him back into a Scotland jersey, it’ll be him.

“He has other people he’ll listen to, like Alex McLeish – and these are the people he will ultimately listen to. For me, him coming back is 50-50.”

Meanwhile, McLeish has warned that a comeback at 32 could backfire and the former Rangers captain could be targeted as a scapegoat if he fails to produce his best form.

“I have told Barry purely from an experienced point of view how tough it will be to combine both – especially for a player like him because there’ll be a lot of pressure on,” said McLeish.


“He will expected to be 100% every game for Scotland – the best player every game.

“If he goes below that level of being the best, they will probably start picking on him.”

However, McLeish stressed that he would be leaving the choice to the player.

“It’s not my decision,” said the Birmingham boss. “I think it’s common knowledge what my thoughts are. Of course, I want him to play for Scotland.

“But I know what it’s like to come back from international games and then be up for it on Saturday – I’d come back jaded, a little bit leggy and one-paced at the weekend game.

“Sometimes you got away with it, sometimes you didn’t.”

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10

Ferguson unsure on Scots comeback

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin

Barry Ferguson remains undecided on whether to make a comeback for Scotland under new manager Craig Levein.

The 32-year-old has spoken to Levein but plans to discuss the matter further with Birmingham boss Alex McLeish.

“I am fully committed to Birmingham,” said the midfielder. “I will give them a full season. They took a chance on me when people were knocking me down.

“I have all that to take into account and it will be a long time before I decide what I do.”

Ferguson was banned from playing for his country after much-publicised off-field incidents when on Scotland duty last year.

However, a change of manager has brought about the chance of a return to international football for the former Rangers and Scotland captain.

Levein has indicated that he wants Ferguson, capped 45 times, back in the fold for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

But Ferguson, who is enjoying an excellent season in the English top flight, remains guarded about his future.


“Myself and Craig Levein have agreed with each other to keep what has been said private,” he added. “I’ve still got a lot of thinking to do and I am nowhere near a decision.

“I need to sit down and go through a lot of things.

“If it means I go away and come back, and I’m not going to play here (Birmingham), there is no chance of me going back. There is still loads to discuss.

“But the meetings were good and he (Levein) is a guy I respect and he has given me time to go away and think about it.

“There are loads of things I have to take into consideration and I have to be honest with the gaffer (McLeish) as well.

“He has given me a platform to come down here and play. I’ve not had a long chat with him yet. I need to sit down and see what his thoughts are.”

Scotland striker Kenny Miller

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Ferguson return key for Scots – Miller

McLeish has already expressed his concerns about Ferguson’s ability to juggle commitments for club and country.

Scotland face a daunting task in Euro 2012 qualifying, having been drawn in the same section as Spain and Czech Republic.

And Ferguson’s former Rangers team-mate Kenny Miller believes the team would be given a boost if the midfielder returned.

“We want our best players playing for the national team and there is no doubt Barry Ferguson is one of them,” said the striker.

“He is not just a squad player, he’s a big, big player for the team. We will be absolutely delighted if he chooses to come back and play with us again.”

Meanwhile, Miller admits second spot in Group I is the most realistic target for the Scots.

But he believes topping the group and securing automatic qualification for the event in Poland and Ukraine is not impossible.

“I don’t think we write it off,” he said.

“You have to be realistic in the fact that you would probably say beforehand that second place was going to be your best opportunity to qualify.

“But you have seen in the past, when you go and beat teams like France home and away, it’s definitely do-able.

“You’ve got to ride your luck on the night of the games and do the right things as well.

“You never know, on any given night, you can get the breaks and get the results.”

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10

Phillips pleased to make impact

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin

Kevin Phillips

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Phillips delighted with Blues double


Kevin Phillips believes he still has a future in the top flight after coming off the bench to earn a dramatic 2-1 win for Birmingham City over Wolves.

Striker Phillips, 36, has had only a bit part to play during the first half of the campaign and had offers to move clubs in the January transfer window.

“I think I’ve shown that I can still do it,” he said. “Only last season I was still knocking goals in for fun.

“People forget about you when you are not playing week in and week out.”

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has promised Phillips, whose current contract runs out in the summer, that he will appear more regularly during the remainder of the season.

And the deadly finishing of Phillips, who scored more than 100 goals for Sunderland between 1997 and 2003, was demonstrated as he struck twice in five minutes to give Blues victory after Kevin Doyle’s goal had looked set to lift Wolves out of the bottom three.


“I believe, as I did at the start of the season, that I can still do a job in this league,” added Phillips. “It was just great to be on the pitch to be honest.

“I’ve not had much game time recently. I’ve said to myself I knew I was going to have to be patient this season.

“I knew I would get my chance. The gaffer said to me after the transfer window had shut ‘we’ve not brought a forward in, if we had it would have been disrespectful to you’ and that I was going to get more game time.”

“People write you off when you get past the 30 mark and I’m 36 now. You have to be mentally strong and have to keep believing you are going to get your chance.

“It is a short career and I’m not that many years away from retiring and I want to try and play as long as I can at the highest level I possibly can. Moments like this make me want to play for even longer.”

Phillips has a fine record against Wolves, having now hit 10 goals of his 252 career goals against them – in 11 starts.

He has now scored against Wolves for five different clubs, starting with Watford and Sunderland.

He then scored twice for Southampton at Molineux in 2003 and four in two games for local rivals West Brom during the 2006-2007 season.

“My record is pretty good against them,” he said.

“They are probably fed up of me as you heard when I came on. Their fans booed me quite a bit.

“Players have teams you tend to score against in your career and, unfortunately for Wolves, it is them in my case.”

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10

Birmingham 2-1 Wolves

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin


Substitute Kevin Phillips scored twice as Birmingham came from behind to plunge West Midlands rivals Wolves further into relegation trouble.

Wolves went ahead when Matthew Jarvis’s cross was deflected on to the post and Kevin Doyle bundled in the rebound.

The hosts showed little sign of drawing level until Craig Gardner’s header from a deep cross was turned in by Phillips.

And the 36-year-old sealed the comeback with a fine chest down and volley from Stephen Carr’s cross.

It was the former England striker’s first Premier League brace in five years and fully justified Alex McLeish’s decision to hold on to him during the January transfer window.

At the time of his introduction after 63 minutes, Wolves were good value for their lead and looked on course for a win which would have catapulted them clear of the relegation zone.

But they had not reckoned on a vintage display from Phillips, whose sharpness in front of goal brought back memories of his heyday at Sunderland and took his career tally to 249 goals.


Before the match, there was a tribute to former Birmingham goalkeeper and manager Gil Merrick, who died on Wednesday at the age of 88.

The former England player, who steered the club to their only major trophy (1963 League Cup) made a club record 551 appearances for Blues between 1939 and 1960.

Current Blues stopped Joe Hart laid a wreath on the goal-line before the crowd showed their appreciation in a minute’s applause.

Birmingham, fielding the same starting line-up for the 12th league game in a row, made an explosive start.

Alex McLeish

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Phillips best off the bench – McLeish

Lee Bowyer had two shots blocked before Michael Mancienne had to be at his most alert to nod Cameron Jerome’s header off the line.

Every Birmingham corner seemed to spark mayhem in the box – one inswinger led to Christian Benitez heading the ball back across goal for Jerome, whose shot on the turn was smothered by Marcus Hahnemann.

Wolves made their presence felt as the half wore on, forcing a succession of free-kicks around the Birmingham box.

On the half hour, a Jarvis set-piece presented Roland Zubar with a straightforward header, but he wastefully put the chance wide.

Mick McCarthy

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McCarthy bemoans Wolves mistakes

Shortly after, poor defending allowed Jerome to break free but his left-footed shot from a narrow angle struck the keeper’s legs. Then, Scott Dann’s half-volley shaved the outside of the post.

Wolves took the lead after a fine sweeping move, as the ball was worked to Jarvis on the left-hand side.

The winger’s cross was deflected on to the near post by Johnson, but Doyle was there to bundle home the follow-up.

The most controversial moment of the half came on the stroke of half-time when Zubar appeared to push Johnson in the back inside the area.

The referee waved away Birmingham’s appeals for a penalty and was berated by a fuming McLeish as he left the field for half-time.

In an open start to the second-half, the Blues committed more men forward, with Wolves looking a threat on the counter-attack.

Kevin Phillips

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Phillips delighted with Blues double

Lone front man Doyle did a superb job for Wolves, holding the ball up well, linking play and winning several free-kicks.

But the match was to turn on an incident on the hour when Benitez was injured in a clash with Hahnemann and had to be replaced by Phillips.

A sharp save by Hahnemann from Jerome served notice of the threat posed by the home side, but it was Birmingham’s other front man who was to steal the show.

His equaliser came with 10 minutes remaining, with a sharp near post volley after Keith Fahey’s cross had been headed back across goal by Gardner.

And five minutes later, Carr ran from the halfway line and planted a cross on to Phillips’ chest. The striker swivelled and fired the ball past the keeper and into the corner.

The Blues have lost just one of their last 15 league games and are five points clear of ninth-placed Everton.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish on Kevin Phillips:
“I just think he’s better coming off the bench.

“When he comes on as bright as he did today then there’s no better man in that box for you.

“Kevin has just got that natural ability, he’s a born finisher. He’s elusive in the box and difficult to pick up. How do you coach that?”

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy:
“I have not been in our dressing room before and seen the lads as disappointed as that after a game.

“You feel hard done by, and it is hard, but we’ve got a game on Wednesday (against Tottenham), and that is the motivation we need.

“If we play like that in our remaining games, I don’t think we can be written off.

“I had no doubt that the team would perform today, and they have done that on many occasions this season.”


Live text and stats

Sunday, 7 February 2010

Premier League


  • Final Result
  • 90:00+4:47 The match has reached full-time.
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+4:08 Foul by Adlene Guedioura (Wolverhampton) on Stephen Carr (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham)
    from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 90:00+3:44 Kevin Phillips (Birmingham) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half,
    resulting in open play.
  • 90:00+3:18 Cross by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton), resulting in open play.
  • 90:00+2:59 Defending throw-in by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 90:00+2:29 Craig Gardner (Birmingham) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half,
    resulting in open play.
  • 90:00+1:58 Attacking throw-in by Craig Gardner (Birmingham).
  • 90:00+1:14 Free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton) from right wing, resulting in open play. Attacking throw-in by
    Craig Gardner (Birmingham). Attacking throw-in by Craig Gardner (Birmingham).
  • 90:00+1:14 Booking Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 90:00+1:07 Foul by Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) on Michael Mancienne (Wolverhampton).
  • 90:00+0:15 Defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 89:50 Foul by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton) on Keith Fahey (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Scott Dann (Birmingham)
    from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 89:05 Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 89:01+2:02 Booking Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 87:54 Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 87:54 Substitution Wolverhampton substitution: Matthew Jarvis replaced by Andrew Surman (tactical).
  • 87:38 Substitution Wolverhampton substitution: Kevin Foley replaced by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (tactical).
  • 86:43 Booking Barry Ferguson (Birmingham) booked for dissent.
  • 86:24 Booking Karl Henry (Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 86:18 Foul by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton) on Barry Ferguson (Birmingham).
  • 84:53 Assist (cross) by Stephen Carr (Birmingham) from right side of penalty area.
  • 84:53 GOAL – Kevin Phillips:Birmingham 2 – 1 Wolverhampton goal by Kevin Phillips (Birmingham) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Birmingham 2-1
    Wolverhampton.
  • 84:53 Cross by Stephen Carr (Birmingham),
  • 83:38 Defending throw-in by Cameron Jerome (Birmingham).
  • 83:15 Attacking throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 82:36 Roger Johnson (Birmingham) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half,
    resulting in open play.
  • 81:54 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Craig Gardner (Birmingham) to centre, resulting in open play.
  • 81:22 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) on Scott Dann (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham)
    from own half, passed.
  • 81:05 Shot by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), blocked by Scott Dann (Birmingham).
  • 80:45 Attacking throw-in by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton).
  • 80:26 Foul by Craig Gardner (Birmingham) on Adlene Guedioura (Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton)
    from left wing, passed.
  • 79:04 Assist (header) by Craig Gardner (Birmingham) from right side of penalty area.
  • 79:04 GOAL – Kevin Phillips:Birmingham 1 – 1 Wolverhampton Goal by Kevin Phillips (Birmingham) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Birmingham
    1-1 Wolverhampton.
  • 78:57 Shot by Kevin Phillips (Birmingham) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton).
  • 78:20 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Craig Gardner (Birmingham) to centre, clearance by Christophe
    Berra (Wolverhampton).
  • 78:03 Cross by Craig Gardner (Birmingham), resulting in open play.
  • 77:25 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 76:58 Shot by Adlene Guedioura (Wolverhampton) drilled right-footed from right channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken
    long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 76:22 Shot by Cameron Jerome (Birmingham) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton).
    Defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 75:53 Shot by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 75:19 Foul by Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) on Karl Henry (Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton)
    from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 75:03 Attacking throw-in by Cameron Jerome (Birmingham).
  • 74:23 Shot by Kevin Phillips (Birmingham) left-footed from left channel (35+ yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Marcus
    Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 73:53 Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 73:53 Substitution Birmingham substitution: James McFadden replaced by Keith Fahey (tactical).
  • 72:40 Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Scott Dann (Birmingham) from own half, passed.
  • 72:28 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 72:06 Defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 71:18 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 71:00 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 70:35 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) on Craig Gardner (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham) from
    own half, resulting in open play.
  • 70:21 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 69:27 Cross by Craig Gardner (Birmingham), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 69:09 Cross by James McFadden (Birmingham), clearance by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton).
  • 67:56 Shot by Adlene Guedioura (Wolverhampton) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
    Foul by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton) on Barry Ferguson (Birmingham). Free kick crossed right-footed by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham)
    from left channel, resulting in open play.
  • 67:18 Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 67:18 Substitution Birmingham substitution: Sebastian Larsson replaced by Craig Gardner (tactical).
  • 66:51 Substitution Wolverhampton substitution: David Jones replaced by Adlene Guedioura (tactical).
  • 65:56 Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton) from left channel, resulting in ball out of play.
  • 65:56 Booking Scott Dann (Birmingham) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 65:44 Foul by Scott Dann (Birmingham) on Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton).
  • 65:35 Cross by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), clearance by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
  • 65:15 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 64:59 Attacking throw-in by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham).
  • 64:17 Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Lee Bowyer (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham)
    from right channel, resulting in open play.
  • 63:30 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 63:11 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) on Roger Johnson (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Carr (Birmingham)
    from own half, passed.
  • 62:38 Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 62:38 Substitution Birmingham substitution: Christian Benitez replaced by Kevin Phillips (injury).
  • 61:17 Christian Benitez (Birmingham) caught offside.
  • 60:41 Foul by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton) on Lee Bowyer (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham) from
    own half, resulting in open play.
  • 60:04 Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half,
    resulting in open play.
  • 58:47 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James McFadden (Birmingham) to centre, comfortable save (caught)
    by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 58:15 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James McFadden (Birmingham) to centre, clearance by Kevin Doyle
    (Wolverhampton).
  • 57:11 Defending throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 56:20 Shot by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long
    by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 55:51 Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 54:50 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 54:44 Cross by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), clearance by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
  • 53:33 Foul by Stephen Carr (Birmingham) on Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton)
    from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 52:51 Foul by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton) on James McFadden (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham)
    from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 52:24 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 51:25 Defending throw-in by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham).
  • 50:51 Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Lee Bowyer (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Carr (Birmingham)
    from left channel, resulting in open play.
  • 49:52 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton) to centre, header by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton)
    from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 49:31 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 48:27 Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 48:11 Attacking throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 47:44 Defending throw-in by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton).
  • 47:06 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 46:26 Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 46:26 Booking David Jones (Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 46:17 Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Christian Benitez (Birmingham).
  • 45:33 Foul by Scott Dann (Birmingham) on Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton)
    from right wing, clearance by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+2:16 The half-time whistle blows.
  • 45:00+1:46 Attacking throw-in by James McFadden (Birmingham).
  • 45:00+0:59 Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 45:00+0:25 Free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Carr (Birmingham) from left channel, resulting in open play.
  • 45:00+0:25 Booking Michael Mancienne (Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 45:00+0:17 Foul by Michael Mancienne (Wolverhampton) on Christian Benitez (Birmingham).
  • 44:39 Attacking throw-in by David Jones (Wolverhampton).
  • 42:43 Foul by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton) on Cameron Jerome (Birmingham). Free kick curled right-footed by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham)
    from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 41:32 GOAL – Kevin Doyle:Birmingham 0 – 1 Wolverhampton Goal by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) right-footed (top-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Birmingham 0-1
    Wolverhampton.
  • 41:22 Cross by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), resulting in open play.
  • 40:26 Shot by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Joe Hart
    (Birmingham).
  • 39:36 Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 39:36 Booking Roger Johnson (Birmingham) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 39:29 Foul by Roger Johnson (Birmingham) on Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 39:09 Attacking throw-in by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham).
  • 37:57 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton) to far post, header by Christophe
    Berra (Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 37:24 Cross by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton), clearance by Roger Johnson (Birmingham). Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
    Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 36:23 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton) to centre, comfortable save (caught)
    by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 34:59 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham) to centre, save (punched) by Marcus
    Hahnemann (Wolverhampton). Shot by Scott Dann (Birmingham) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
    Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 34:45 Shot by Cameron Jerome (Birmingham) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (with feet) by Marcus Hahnemann
    (Wolverhampton).
  • 33:21 Foul by Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) on Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton)
    from right wing, foul by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) on Roger Johnson (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe
    Hart (Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 32:17 Attacking throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 31:27 Defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 30:14 Foul by Stephen Carr (Birmingham) on Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton)
    from left wing, header by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken
    long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 29:18 Cross by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), header by Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable
    save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 28:59 Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Barry Ferguson (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham)
    from right channel, passed.
  • 28:04 Shot by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Stephen Carr (Birmingham). Attacking
    throw-in by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 27:33 Cross by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 27:11 Cross by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton), clearance by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham). Attacking throw-in by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton).
  • 26:30 Foul by James McFadden (Birmingham) on Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton)
    from own half, resulting in open play.
  • 26:10 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 25:35 Cross by Scott Dann (Birmingham), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 25:17 Foul by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) on James McFadden (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham)
    from right wing, passed.
  • 25:10 Attacking throw-in by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham).
  • 24:40 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 23:48 Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton) from left wing, clearance by Barry Ferguson (Birmingham).
  • 23:48 Booking Joe Hart (Birmingham) booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 23:41 Foul by Joe Hart (Birmingham) on Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton).
  • 23:05 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 21:28 Foul by Scott Dann (Birmingham) on Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton)
    from right channel, passed. Shot by David Jones (Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar.
    Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 20:31 Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 20:19 Attacking throw-in by James McFadden (Birmingham).
  • 19:40 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 18:44 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton) to near post, comfortable save (caught)
    by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 18:21 James McFadden (Birmingham) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton) from own half,
    resulting in open play.
  • 17:55 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton) on Roger Johnson (Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham) from
    own half, resulting in open play.
  • 17:31 Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 16:51 Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 15:26 Cross by Lee Bowyer (Birmingham), clearance by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed
    by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham) to near post, header by Scott Dann (Birmingham) from centre of penalty area (12 yards),
    missed right. Shot by Cameron Jerome (Birmingham) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught)
    by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 14:30 David Jones (Wolverhampton) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Joe Hart (Birmingham) from own half, resulting
    in open play.
  • 14:21 Cross by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton), clearance by Stephen Carr (Birmingham).
  • 14:05 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 13:48 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 13:02 Shot by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham) drilled right-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long
    by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 12:36 Attacking throw-in by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham).
  • 12:03 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 11:42 Cross by James McFadden (Birmingham), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 11:30 Attacking throw-in by James McFadden (Birmingham).
  • 10:10 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham) to centre, save (punched) by Marcus
    Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 9:28 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 8:52 Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 8:20 Cross by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), clearance by Roger Johnson (Birmingham).
  • 7:18 Defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton).
  • 7:01 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 6:47 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 6:22 Goal kick taken long by Joe Hart (Birmingham).
  • 5:44 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James McFadden (Birmingham) to far post, resulting in ball out of
    play. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 4:59 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James McFadden (Birmingham) to far post, header by Cameron Jerome
    (Birmingham) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
  • 4:28 Cross by Christian Benitez (Birmingham), clearance by Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton). Shot by Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) left-footed
    from left side of penalty area (12 yards), clearance by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton).
  • 3:42 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James McFadden (Birmingham) to far post, clearance by Jody Craddock
    (Wolverhampton).
  • 3:30 Shot by James McFadden (Birmingham) left-footed from right wing (20 yards), clearance by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton).
  • 2:54 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James McFadden (Birmingham) to centre, clearance by Kevin Doyle
    (Wolverhampton).
  • 1:55 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 1:16 Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton).
  • 0:28 Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 0:18 Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham).
  • 0:00 The match gets underway.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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10

Keeper Hart gets Capello backing

Filed under: Birmingham City by: admin

England boss Fabio Capello has paid Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart a huge compliment with the World Cup in South Africa only four months away.

With England’s number one spot still up for grabs, the 22-year-old, on loan from Manchester City, has helped the Blues climb to eighth in the table.

“Hart is having a fantastic season,” said Capello. “He is in good form now.

“Before he made mistakes but he makes fewer now because he plays regularly and has more confidence.”

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce will be delighted with the progress being made by the keeper he signed as Manchester City boss from Shrewsbury in 2006.

Hart, who will play in Birmingham’s West Midlands derby against Wolves on Sunday, became the first-choice keeper at Eastlands but was pushed aside following the arrival of Shay Given from Newcastle United.


However, after moving to Birmingham in July 2009, he has produced a string of outstanding performances leading his manager Alex McLeish to talk up his England credentials.

The Scot said in January: “He’s come on in leaps and bounds. When Capello looks at all of his prospective players he’ll make sure they’ve got all the ingredients and Joe shows all those ingredients at the moment.”

It now seems Capello and his trusted lieutenant in the England set-up, Franco Baldini, are also taking note of Hart’s rising stock.

“Franco went to see him and he has seen a great improvement,” Capello added.

Hart’s position has been aided by recent injuries to Portsmouth’s David James, along with the shaky form of West Ham’s Robert Green and the lack of games for Manchester United’s Ben Foster.

Having started the last two England games, Foster has had a frustrating few months at Old Trafford, having been pushed to number three in the pecking order behind Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak.

“It is very difficult for Foster because he is not playing,” said Capello.

Hart has picked up one England cap, making his his debut in the 3-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008.

He has been included in a number of Capello’s squads but has not featured in any of England’s World Cup qualifiers or friendly matches since playing in the friendly in Port of Spain.

Capello also paid tribute to Aston Villa midfielder James Milner who he said had “improved more than any other player in the squad”.

Milner was one of the players to emerge with credit from England’s last game when they were beaten 1-0 by Brazil in Qatar last November. And his form has been a telling part of Villa reaching the Carling Cup final.

“James Milner is a fantastic player,” said Capello. “I saw Martin O’Neill in Marbella during pre-season and we spoke about Downing and I asked about Milner.

“He has improved more than any other player in the squad. He is intelligent on the pitch. He passes the ball well. He creates goals and scores himself.

“He is a lot like Frank Lampard, younger, but with great energy.”

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