Football story by Boris Webb, Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:56:00 GMT


LONDON - Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora rubbed salt into Birmingham's wounds as they celebrated a 2-1 victory in front of the Blues' home fans. Steve Bruce's side has managed to grab one paltry point out of a possible 21 and with this loss is struck in the relegation zone of the English Premiership.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce was hard pressed to explain the defeat, "I'm fed up of making excuses. I also can't fault the lads for their effort and commitment but they've got to be a bit more clinical in front of goal," he said. "We have simply got to turn it around. I've never known a run like this at home as a player or manager. Seven games with just one point at home is horrific." Bruce added that the Blues had not given their fans anything to shout about and it was time the team got back its focus.

He said that though there was a good spirit among the players, it is the results that count. He blamed the poor defense for the loss to the Hammers. Possible injuries to Mario Melchiot and Muzzy Izzet did not help matters and Birmingham were outplayed for the duration of the match.

For the West Ham team, Harewood was nursing a migraine, yet had the brilliance to tap in a wonderful goal. Bobby Zamorra's effort was praiseworthy and the Hammers never really let the Blues settle down in the match. Even though Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Upson and Nicky Butt came close top scoring, the Blues were outsmarted by the Hammers.

West Ham Manager Pardew was delighted with his team's effort and singled out Harewood for praise, “Marlon doesn't miss games or many days training but migraines are a big problem for him. He had one on Monday morning and I was very worried but I thought he was our best player," he said.

Match details
Referee: M Atkinson

BIRMINGHAM CITY - N Vaesen — Martin Taylor (sub: N Kilkenny, 46), M Melchiot (sub: S Lazaridis, 9), K Cunningham, M Upson — J Pennant, D Johnson, M Izzet (sub: N Butt, 23), J Gray — D Dunn — E Heskey
.
WEST HAM UNITED - R Carroll — T Repka, A Ferdinand, D Gabbidon, P Konchesky — Y Benayoun (S Newton, 90), M Noble (C Dailly, 78), H Mullins, M Etherington — R Zamora (D Bellion, 69), M Harewood

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