On a day when West Ham were making ground in the relegation dogfight Birmingham, who hadn’t won in nine games, really needed to get something from this match to keep a safe distance from the drop zone.
Right from the kick off Liverpool were struggling. With Liverpool failing to find form since their impressive run in November, this was a perfect time for relegation-troubled Birmingham to meet them. Steve Bruce’s side were imperious in the first half as they bossed Liverpool all over the pitch.
It was only a matter of time before they converted this dominance into a goal. Irishman Jeff Kenna missed one chance when the ball came out to him on the edge of the box and he drove it into the stands. On 34 minutes, Steve Clemence didn’t miss. His header found the back of the net.
After the break Liverpool began to turn the game around. They had more possession and more chances on goal, but were still failing to register on the scoreboard. Gerard Houllier decided to re-jig the team and Michael Owen came on for Jamie Carragher.
However, the attempted comeback was dealt a severe blow in the 67th minute when Irish striker Clinton Morrison got in behind the Liverpool defence and slotted home from Stan Laziridis’ cross.
Owen scored in the 77th minute but it would prove too little too late and Birmingham picked up a crucial three points, winning 2-1.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
