Blues Cruise To Win

Last updated : 01 August 2004 By Andy Beill
Photo © Paul Whiteley
Robbie Savage converts a penalty
The game kicked off 15 minutes late, but it didn't take long for the visitors to get the ball rolling. Clinton Morrisson got his head on the ball and it went over goalkeeper Matt Duke and into the net to make it 1-0 after 15 minutes.

Both sides continued to press forwards, and the second goal came in the 37th minute - again in Birmingham's favour. Marc Joseph headed out to the edge of the box and Muzzy Izzett hit a low shot first time which Duke could only get a hand to as it went in.

Jason Price shot over at the other end, before Robbie Savage hit the woodwork with a 20-yard free kick before the break.

Moments after half time the Blues got another goal. Julian Gray's shot took a deflection and hit both posts before trickling in beyond the lunge of Damien Delaney.

Photo © Ian Melton
Stuart Green - scored a consolation goal for City
Delaney was again in the thick of it when Birmingham made it 4-0 in the 54th minute. He upended Emile Heskey in the box, and Robbie Savage sent Duke the wrong way with the penalty.

Peter Taylor made some more changes and this almost paid dividends, but Stuart Elliott's header was cleared off the line by Martin Taylor.

City finally did get a consolation though in the 76th minute to narrow the scoreline to 4-1. Stuart Green slotted past Nico Vaesen with a right-footed shot to bring some cheer to the 8,417 KC Stadium crowd.

Gray almost restored Birmingham's four goal lead but flashed a shot wide, while Ryan France headed against the bar from Elliott's chip as it stayed 4-1.

City line-up (4-4-2): Duke; Hinds, Joseph (Wiseman 75), Delaney, Lewis; Price (France 59), Ashbee, Keane (Green 59), Barmby (Elliott 45); Walters (Wilbraham 45), Facey (Allsopp 59).
Un-used subs: Myhill, Dawson, Fry.