Birmingham missed the chance to close in on an automatic promotion place as
they suffered their first defeat in nine games.
It was a committed, wholehearted performance by Tranmere after their manager
John Aldridge had criticised their efforts in the 2-0 defeat at West Brom in
midweek.
The home side were given an early boost with a fourth-minute goal. Jason
Koumas was the marksman with a fine free-kick from 20 yards which gave Blues
keeper Ian Bennett no chance.
Birmingham should have been level midway through the half. Marcelo was given a
free header from a Bryan Hughes cross but put the ball straight into the arms of
keeper Joe Murphy.
The visitors kept battling away and drew level in first half injury-time after
Tranmere failed to clear a corner. The ball fell to Gary Rowett who netted with
an angled right-foot shot.
Both sides had their chances in the second half. Marcelo got clear on the hour
only to see his shot blocked by Murphy.
Then the Birmingham goal had an amazing escape in the 69th minute. Steve Yates
fired against the bar. From the rebound Lee Jones centred and this time Yates
headed on to the left-hand post.
Tranmere regained the lead in the 83rd minute. Keeper Bennett was at fault
when he failed to deal with a cross by Alan Mahon and the ball fell to Gary
Jones who netted with a right-foot shot.
Marcelo had a chance in injury-time for Blues but his back header was well
held by Murphy.
It was sweet revenge for Tranmere who had been unhappy at refereeing decisions
when they lost the away game at St Andrew's.
Teams
Tranmere: Murphy, Hazell, Yates, Challinor, Roberts, G. Jones,
Henry, Koumas (L. Jones 64), Mahon (Morgan 87), Kelly, Allison.
Subs Not Used: S. Taylor, Nixon, Black.
Booked: Koumas.
Goals: Koumas 4, G. Jones 83.
Birmingham: Bennett, Rowett, Holdsworth, Purse,
Charlton (M. Johnson 76), O'Connor, Grainger, Hughes, Adebola,
Rankin (A. Johnson 76), Marcelo.
Subs Not Used: Poole, Hyde, Lazaridis.
Booked: Charlton.
Goals: Rowett 45.
Att: 9,232
Ref: P Taylor (Cheshunt).
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