2011-12 Match Reports CCFC v BIRMINGHAM

4.12.2011

CCFC 1 v 0 BIRMINGHAM

Against the backdrop of tragedy off the field and intrigue and possibilities on the field this Sunday lunchtime fixture was always more likely to be remembered more for peripheral events than the game itself. The still barely believable death of Gary Speed seven days ago silences the fans as they respectfully walk past the flowers, shirts and flags laid at the entrance to the stadium.

On the field the season is beginning to take shape after the impressive Carling Cup victory over Blackburn and the prospect of another trip to Wembley looms. Our form continues to confound the early season doom mongers and with the top two both suffering surprise defeats yesterday we have an opportunity today to close the gap.

There is a sharp intake of breath when the teams are announced as the much maligned forgotten fullback Naylor comes in for Taylor. This will pit him against ex-City favourite Chris Burke. Cripes! Gerrard deservedly keeps his place at the heart of the defence despite the fit again Hudson being available. McNaughton retains the captain’s armband.

And it’s a welcome return today for one globetrotting Bluebird who has flown in from the Orient, via Hertha Berlin to settle back on his perch in the Ninian Stand.

We start brightly and dominate possession with Whittingham again the playmaker at the heart of everything positive. The midfield pushes forward seeking an opening through a compact Birmingham defence. For all our possession however we rarely threaten and there is a lack of creativity and innovation particularly on the wings. Miller prowls along the front line looking for an opening but the opportunities are rare. Birmingham rely on the much-travelled and greatly despised Marlon King and the 6ft 13” pantomime donkey Zigic but our back four comfortably contain any threat. The referee riles the home crowd with an irritatingly inept performance complimented by an equally clumsy display by his assistants. They work well together – they are consistently awful. 0-0 at half time but only one team looks like winning.

The second half continues where we left off – plenty of possession but a dearth of chances and barely a shot on goal. Conway in particular is getting into good positions but his final ball lets him down much to Miller’s frustration. A couple of early injuries sees Hudson replace Gerrard and young Joe Rawls replace Gunnarsson. Later on Mason’s chance is sealed with a Kiss injury which provides more options upfront. (Note to Mr Mackay: Mason must start!)

  

Just after the hour Miller latches onto a through ball and tussles with Curtis Davies on the edge of the box. The linesman flags, indicating an infringement and as Miller is clean through on goal the Ref has no option but to show a red card. From where I was sitting  – directly in line with the incident – I’d say we were a trifle fortunate. The free kick is taken by Whittingham who rattles the woodwork with an absolute screamer; it deserved a goal.

Soon after we finally get the breakthrough when their central defender panics as Miller bears down on him, making a complete Horlicks of a clearing header. Sniffer Miller takes full advantage nipping in to slot it past the helpless Myhill. A real striker’s goal. 1-0.

Against 10 men we are comfortably in the ascendency for the remaining 20 minutes but are unable to increase our advantage. No worries - it’s a Glum Brum to add to some Sorry Saints and Un’appy ‘ammers as The Bluebird Of Happiness goes bob-bob-bobbing along. Man City must be getting the Sheiks...