Birmingham delivered a massive boost to their Premiership survival hopes and a hammer blow to Liverpool's chances of Champions League qualification with a stirring victory at St Andrews.

Goals from Stephen Clemence and Clinton Morrison put Blues on their way to their first win in 10 matches before a late effort from Michael Owen set up a nerve-jangling finale.

Liverpool can point with some justification to having two worthwhile penalty claims turned down by referee Clive Wilkes - one in each half.

But for long periods they were outfought by the home side who hustled them out of their stride and played as if their lives depended on the outcome.

Robbie Savage covered every blade of grass on the St Andrews pitch and typified Blues' approach, but there was more than just sheer commitment from Steve Bruce's side.

The classy Christophe Dugarry and Morrison gelled well in attack while Stan Lazaridis was a handful down the left flank.

For Liverpool one crumb of comfort will be the end of substitute Owen's goal drought with only his second in the Premiership since the start of November.

But in terms of qualifying for the Champions League they now have a mountain to climb if they are to claim fourth spot ahead of Chelsea.

Birmingham, with only one point from the previous seven games, started brightly and they created a decent opening in the first 60 seconds after good play by recalled striker Morrison.

Damien Johnsen sent over a teasing right-wing cross which was met on the first bounce by Aussie winger Lazaridis but he was unable to keep his header down and the ball flew over the bar.

Liverpool had strong claims for a penalty turned down following a challenge from behind by Clemence on Danny Murphy as he was about to make contact with a low Emile Heskey cross.

But another good chance fell the way of City when the impressive Dugarry toe-poked a first-time effort over the bar after Morrison had flicked on a left-wing cross from Lazaridis.

Then Blues skipper Jeff Kenna squandered a golden chance to put his side ahead after 24 minutes following a quickly-taken Savage free-kick and a low Lazaridis cross.

But he failed to even hit the target from 12 yards out and Liverpool were relieved to see his shot fly harmlessly over the bar.

Blues were building up momentum and after 34 minutes St Andrews erupted when Clemence headed them in front with his first goal since his transfer from Tottenham.

Savage floated over a left-wing free-kick and Clemence was first to react near the penalty spot and he sent a downward header past Jerzy Dudek into the corner of the net.

It was the first time that Blues had scored first in a game since the 1-0 victory over Fulham in mid-December.

Liverpool were shaken out of their stride by the combative and aggressive approach of Bruce's side in the first 45 minutes.

But they still needed a great tackle by Kenny Cunningham to deny Heskey just as he was about to shoot from eight yards out.

Liverpool came more into the game at the start of the second period and had another strong penalty claim rejected after a challenge by Lazaridis on Bruno Cheyrou.

Dugarry became the first player to be yellow-carded for an aerial challenge on Djimi Traore 10 minutes into the second half.

Blues keeper Nico Vaesen did well to cling onto a stinging 30-yard free-kick from Dietmar Hamann and he also held a looping header from Cheyrou away to his left.

Houllier finally unleashed Owen after 63 minutes in place of Jamie Carragher but four minutes later Birmingham doubled their lead.

Dugarry released Lazaridis down the left flank and he had time to steady himself before sending over a low cross which was turned home from six yards by Morrison.

Owen gave Liverpool some late hope when he calmly turned home a pass from Danny Murphy 14 minutes from time for only his second goal in 13 league games but Blues managed to hold on for three precious points.

Teams

Birmingham Vaesen, Kenna, Cunningham, Upson, Clapham, Savage, Clemence (Carter 79), Lazaridis, Morrison (Devlin 88), Dugarry (Horsfield 81), Damien Johnson.

Subs Not Used: Bennett, John.

Booked: Dugarry, Upson.

Goals: Clemence 34, Morrison 68.

Liverpool Dudek, Carragher (Owen 63), Hyypia, Traore, Hamann, Cheyrou (Mellor 84), Riise, Murphy, Baros, Heskey, Diao.

Subs Not Used: Babbel, Arphexad, Biscan.

Booked: Diao.

Goals: Owen 77.

Att: 29,449

Ref: C Wilkes (Gloucestershire).