Promotion chasing Birmingham wasted another fine opportunity to move up into a
challenging position when held to their third draw in five games.
They dominated almost the entire game despite having recent signing Graham
Hyde sent off in the second half following two yellow cards.
It was a frustrating experience for Birmingham following their impressive 3-0
success at Grimsby in their previous game when they should have capitalised upon
Bolton's second successive defeat.
But Norwich were outstanding in defence with goalkeeper Andy Marshall taking
the major honours.
Birmingham set their pattern very early in the game when they attempted to
gain an early lead but they ran up against some resolute opposition in a Norwich
side struggling to get out of a bad run.
While Birmingham had lost only one of their previous 11 games, Norwich had
only won one of their last 10 games.
But the Canaries displayed a great deal of courage against Birmingham's
persistent attack.
Goalkeeper Andy Marshall in particular played a key role. His handling in
difficult windy conditions did much to inspire his fellow defenders.
As a result there were few clear cut openings in a goalless first half. The
Norwich attack was subdued with makeshift central defender Gary Rowett
outstanding in Birmingham's defence.
Norwich, however, were often forced into some desperate situations and three
of their players, Lee Marshall, Matt Jackson and Keith O'Neill, booked in the
first period.
But they managed to survive against some aggressive Birmingham pressure in
which Jon McCarthy sparked off several good attacks.
Birmingham's attack, however, was off key and they failed to take advantage of
a rare Marshall slip when the Norwich keeper failed to gather a Simon Charlton
corner.
The second half exploded for all the wrong reasons when Graham Hyde, booked in
the first half, received a second yellow card and was sent off following a
sliding tackle on Keith O'Neill.
In quick succession referee Andy D'Urso booked Michael Johnson, Bryan Hughes
and Martin O'Connor in the space of three minutes.
Birmingham were also guilty of some slack play. Furlong made a hash of an
accurate cross from Hughes.
The former Chelsea striker, who has recently signed a new three year contract,
wasted another cross from Hughes and was subsequently substituted by manager
Trevor Francis.
Teams
Birmingham: Poole, Bass, Charlton, Hyde, Rowett, Johnson,
McCarthy (Adebola 45), O'Connor, Furlong (Robinson 68), Hughes,Ndlovu.
Subs Not Used: Grainger.
Sent Off: Hyde (65).
Booked: O'Connor, Hyde, Furlong, Ndlovu, Hughes.
Norwich: A. Marshall, Sutch, Fuglestad (Llewellyn 90), Grant,
Fleming, Jackson, L. Marshall, Bellamy, Roberts, O'Neill,Forbes (Wilson 58).
Subs Not Used: Mackay.
Booked: Jackson, L. Marshall, O'Neill.
Att: 20,749
Ref: A D'Urso (Billericay).
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