Birmingham City v Leicester City Match of the Day Live

A tale of two cities as Birmingham take on Leicester in the NPower

Championship, for Birmingham 2011 has been the best of times.

Birmingham City have won the Carling Cup.

And the worst of times. Their first trophy in 48 years was followed by

relegation from the Premier League and a sale of players as financial

troubles hit. Now Chris Hughton is the man chosen to arrest the slide

at St Andrews. For Leicester it's great expectations. Sven-Goran

Eriksson was one of the summer's big summer spenders. After a

stuttering start, Sven-Goran Eriksson's men are starting to hit

their stride. Leicester's evening just gets

better and better. Well, it's seven games unbeaten in

It's another busy week for Chris Hughton's side. The Blues are off

to Bruges later. Today it's domestic matters that take

centrestage. Kick-off is less than ten minutes

away. Hopefully some tasty fare for you

this lunchtime, ready to tuck in for twous men who have represented

both clubs, Steve Claridge and hot off the dance floor for a bit of

cha-cha-chat. You found it funnier in rehearsal! Birmingham first of

all, difficult to judge where they are. Eight games in, what have you

gauged from them so far? It's difficult to know where to pick.

One lost, one draw. It was a big win at Forest, no doubt about that.

They've games in hand. This division, if you win a couple of

games it can shoot you up the table. They could be level with teams in

play-offs. It's not been a disastrous start, there's room for

improvement. Inconsistency comes up when you look at the results.

inconsistent. They've a fantastic manager, good players but very

inconsistent start from Chris Hughton. Leicester, they made a

stuttering start as we saw then, but we saw the potential of this

expensively assembled side last time against Derby. This is the art

of good management, getting the best out of what the players you

have got. We knew they were underachieving earlier on in the

season. The first two games he made nine changes. I think it might be

an unchanged line-up today from the Derby game. So, now things are

starting to settle down we know if it settles down and they get it

right they're going to be the team to beat. You shared the bookies

view at the start of the season to go up, are you sticking by that?

This is how the teams lie. Birmingham are down in 18th but

with three games in hand, most of their rivals. Let's hear from both

managers. How difficult has it been for you

here because you have had to sell some of your best players to be

fair? The difficulty has really been the timing. When I took the

job, I knew that I would lose players, but we lost two players on

transfer deadline day. I think the difficulty has been working around

the timing of those that have gone. But as I said, I knew what was

happening, I knew I would lose players. We have brought in good

players. There's a good spirit here at the moment. We are delighted to

have gone through the transfer when everybody is more settled and

hopefully that will show in some of our performances. The last time we

spoke you were about to play Nottingham Forest, you did well.

You have put a great run together, you must be delighted with the

team? Lately we have been doing very well. We have been very solid.

Good defending. Four clean sheets the last four games in the League.

Of course we are happy. But it's a long way to go. I really hope we

can go on like we have done lately, because we starting to look like a

good football team. It shows how times have changed

here at Birmingham, if you take the Carling Cup winning line-up from

February this year, only four of them remain. Only six of the 18-man

squad that day are still at St Andrews. It's another tough job for

Chris Hughton. Just like he did at Newcastle, he

has steadied the ship, at least. don't think there's massive

pressure like in a normal year, I think it's one of those where like

with both managers, they're still yet to find the best system, to

find the best team. I think there's room for improvement, they've a

squad that can be competitive. do you see the game going, Robbie?

I am going for Leicester, they're a good team. For me they have to get

promoted. Steve? I am going for a draw. OK. Well, let's get to our

commentary team. What can you tell us?

Thank you, good afternoon everyone. There is an element of the haves

against the have Notts with this fixture. It's belt-tightening

Birmingham against big spenders Leicester.

Relegation and boardroom difficulties have hit home hard.

While Leicester have spent millions top table for seven years now and

they even dropped into the third tier three years ago. This is the

first meeting between the two clubs in four years since Birmingham won

away at Leicester in April of 2007 by two goals to one.

Leicester have a pretty good record here at St Andrews in recent years,

they haven't lost any of their last seven visits, winning four and

for this one. Sven-Goran Eriksson managing a club very much on the up.

Of course a former England manager, and Steve McLaren the manager of

Nottingham Forest, left the club following defeat to Birmingham

weeks ago. Chris Hughton trying to make life difficult for Sven-Goran

the line, back in the team today. Increasingly warm afternoon in the

West Midlands after a decidededly Leicester than at the moment in

this corner of Birmingham. The team seven matches unbeaten and haven't

conceded a goal for over a month so no price they haven't tinkered with

starting to mould this side in the fashion he would like has made the

most of the last weeks with the Leicester City on the left of the

picture. Mills was a signing for the club over the summer from

Reading. Martin, I know you are interested in seeing how he is

settling in and playing alongside Bamba. He is very, very cultured,

clearly has leadership skills. Sven-Goran Eriksson has identified

that very quickly. 25 years of age, you wonder what age are you

maturing at, he should be coming into the best form of his career.

Surprised none of the Premiership teams went for him. The referee

there in the middle, he has shown one red card in a dozen football

the centre circle because Birmingham City are preparing to

pay tribute to a special young supporter, 11-year-old Harry

Moseley who died last week after a courageous fight against an

inoperable Britain tumour. He raised over �500,000 during his

illness for cancer charities and the minutes applause you are about

to hear is the club's tribute to Andrews today, as guests of the

club. A minute's applause for an

incredible young man who will be in the hearts with everyone connected

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do the same next week at their home match against West Bromwich Albion.

Final words ahead of this game. We are almost ready to go now. Chris

Wood, comes into the starting line- up today. Seven in eight league

appearances so far, including two last time out in the 3-1 win at

Nottingham Forest. He has been a great addition. Saw him in the

World Cup, of course, only a young man. Maybe he might grab the goals

they need today. It's Leicester City who are playing

all in white today who will get us under way.

And finally we have kicked off here in this NPower Championship match,

live from St Andrews, Birmingham City against Leicester City in a

Midlands derby. Ridgewell winning the throw-in for Birmingham on the

far side of the field, one of the few few -- players still here after

the relegation last May. Did go on the transfer list in August, but it

left. He has played in the centre as well this season under the new

managerment we are expecting to see him out wide this afternoon. First

touch for the Captain back in the Birmingham's Spanish central

defender able to get there first. He made his debut last time in the

win at Nottingham Forest, one of only two players signed for a fee

this past summer. Comfortable for the goalkeeper

Myhill. On a season loan, which saw Ben Foster go in the other

direction. Birmingham still settling in to

their stride really, Martin. They've played eight matches so far

because of their Europa League commitments, three less than

anybody else. Difficult to find a rhythm and they've fallen behind a

little in the League. Leicester, a lot of attention on them, they'll

be the team that plays the football today, I feel. Vassell here for

Leicester. Doesn't quite find King. Vassell used to play up the road

for Aston Villa. Still got good pace. You see that, you make that

difference in this game. Danns actually won promotion with the

club. Here is Vassell, playing for Sven-Goran Eriksson again, with him

for England and Manchester City. is a good type to have in the

dressing rooms as well, excellent World Cup himself last summer with

the Ivory Coast, of course. A very good team actually, Derek is a calm

individual and I am sure they create an environment for them to

thrive in. It's all about promotion, that's the push for them to get

back into the big time. For Sven, the last time he won anything, you

got to go back to 2000, he will be desperate to win this Championship,

a long way off at the moment, but you feel they're coming into form

now. So far so good for Leicester City,

seven matches unbeaten now. 12th in the table which on the face

of it doesn't look overly exciting, but it's still so early they will

be into the play-off positions if they win today. There is a pressure

for both teams to keep winning and getting points. What about that man,

Chris Hughton? He has walked into a little bit of a mine field here. He

lost 20 players in the summer. He has had a lot of business to do and

I think he will do well. Good experience, particularly in the

Championship. Birmingham City's throw-in. Ridgewell is the man who

runs across to take it. Interesting point about Chris Hughton, the

goalkeeper saying that they appreciate the fact that it is him

doing the coaching on the training pitch, so it's really one voice

they're getting. There's no mixed messages from various people. They

know what the manager wants because he is there telling them. Yeah,

managers do it in different ways, he has been a good coach and

assistant so he is hands-on and it takes time. I am sure he will do

the run there of King. Looking for Ireland international for

Birmingham. Lovely touch there from Burke. Well, the end product didn't

match the build-up but it was a nice passage of play. Just not

enough power on the shot. He shows good endeavour. Gets past a few

Leicester players and not the power on his left foot to go with that

run. Burke is in good form. Scored moment than he was for the past 12

strayed offside by a step or two. A good education -- decision from

Finds King. Now Danns. Will get a freak for -- free kick for that

challenge. They pass it around lovely, Leicester. They're very

composed. Playing into midfield, very comfortable. That's a definite

free kick. An untidy challenge more than anything else. Here is Vassell.

Peltier. Struggling to get it away from

under his feet. The challenge came from Ridgewell. He likes to get

forward Peltier. You see him down that right side, that's usually

where the which hadth comes from. They have good competition for

places. Peltier at the moment is keeping an international player out.

It's about having a strong squad as well. It's a long campaign,

particularly in this Championship trying to get out. It comes down to

the strength of the squad. That's not where the infringement took

place where he is taking the kick. It matters not, it was a confident

catch from Myhill. 28-year-old, born in California who

qualifies for Wales through his mother. He was on the bench for

them in Switzerland on Tuesday. It's nice to see your goalkeeper

taking that, particularly if you are a central defender. Nice and

positive. ball.

Interestingly central defensive could be a problem for them.. I

feel they need to get tighter to this Leicester team. They're not

putting enough pressure on them. Mills looking for the run of

Vassell but comfortably dealt with. Swiftly off his line there, Myhill.

Banba able to get that one before it reached King. I don't think King

has been able to touch the ball here. Fernandes, on loan. Another

player who Sven-Goran Eriksson has worked with before. A few of those

throughout the side. You can see they have that technical element,

it's whether they can make it count. I would like to see the midfield

players get forward more. This fella usually does it. Fernandes.

Here is Mills. It was wildly optimistic from that

sort of range. He can now head back to his defensive position. He won't

be doing that again. Suitably chasted. He is 25, by now he should

realise that's not a strength in his game. This is in row Z I think.

You can relate to that! After 22, 23, I stopped doing that. It's a

big season for him. He got close to the Premier League in May with

Reading. He can get up there now with Leicester. He is going to have

a big say in that. He is definitely a leader and passes it nicely. He

has options when he gets the ball. So close to making it to the so-

called promised land last season, but Reading lost in the play-off

final. Here is Bamba. Unlucky there. Just

signed a new contract as well, recently. Ridgewell did well.

Beausejour. Fahey is available,. for Blues. It's good play down this

right side. Carr laying it out wide for Burke and Bamba puts it out for

a corner. He was in the Ivory Coast squad at the World Cup finals last

summer when -- Sven was the manager manager then.

Away by King. Fahey took a whack there.

Beausejour staying down and the referee was waiting to see whether

there was an advantage which accrued and and decided that wasn't

the case, so Birmingham are going to have a free kick here. Once he

sees him holding his leg in that manner he opts to stop the play.

Looks originally like he was going to let it go. King gets a talking

to. Let's look at this again. It's his trailing leg he catches,

Beausejour. Just catches him. Looks a bit nasty, but he is back on his

feet and taking this one. They're lining up at the far post!

Caldwell so close for Birmingham. That's the first decent effort on

goal in the match here. We are just waiting for it to ripple into the

back of the net there, with the view we have got really should be

putting that away. Fantastic ball in. He should be at least hitting

the target. He will be disappointed when he sees that later. Caldwell

yet another one of the new faces at St Andrews over the summer.

Arriving from Wigan. Here is King for Leicester at the other end.. It

will be Leicester's throw. I have to say I don't know about

you, Martin, but when Caldwell's head met the ball I thought it was

going in. He's done everything right except get the right

connection. His manager can't believe he hasn't put that away.

You wonder how many more of those chances you will get against

Leicester. I think we are in for a cracking game, both teams prepared

to play football. At the back they're giving opportunities away.

That's Chris Wood almost winning but nobody in the Leicester team

trying to get on the end of that cross. Look at him there. He is

second favourite. Still makes it. Interesting figure Vassell, back in

the English game after a year playing in Turkey which I think was

an adventure for him in one way and Gomis let it run and nearly gave it

away. Burke. And that wasn't the sort of

delivery that he was looking for. No. This game has been played

largely in midfield and when it comes to the final third you are

looking for a bit more quality. Just not got it there. Needs more

power there. We mentioned that chances might be

at a premium here this afternoon and I have to say that the game

going into it didn't have goals written all over it. Birmingham

have conceded one at home and Leicester have let in three at the

moment. They're both solid. If we are get one goal it might open the

thing up. Vassell just nodding off for a moment there. Fernandes

tested. Willing runners the front two of Leicester and that's going

to test them. He is having to use every every ounce of strength to

keep that one out. Nugent has missed a month of the season

already but he returned for the derby County match last time and

scored. He is testing the legs of Ibanez.

Danns with a corner kick and will get another chance to try again.

David Nugent, a player with Premier League experience, most recently

successful spell so far in his career was in the Championship with

Preston North End. Leicester putting pressure on here. Peltier

winning a corner kick. It's off the defence, but comfortable. Keith

Fahey, switching the play nicely. That is if Marlon King can keep it

in, and the card. He is yet to settle into the match, Marlon King.

He is surviving on scraps because he cannot get the ball to feet. I'm

sure eventually he will. That is the pressure Leicester are putting

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Birmingham under when they are in previously played for Sven-Goran

Eriksson at Manchester City. They have him on loan for the season at

David Newton -- David Nugent. could see he was standing offside,

but he looks isolated. Even if he takes the ball, it is a good run.

You just want to see more from the midfield trying to break forward.

The front players look isolated at times. Both teams seemed reluctant

Buck and quite keep it in. -- Chris in the Scottish Premier League --

there. A good job that Myhill read it because he was going to get on

the end of that. Nugent broke away and scored a goal in that fashion

against Derby County in the last match. He looks full of running

today, Nugent. As he came out to warm up, he was buzzing and that is

what strikers are about, when they are scoring, they are full of

Danns. As you mentioned, David Nugent looking lively so far. We

should not forget he has actually play for England. Exactly. As a

young man playing for the Under 21 as he looked like he had a massive

future ahead of him. Lost his way a bit. Didn't quite happen for him in

the Premier League. At Portsmouth it didn't happen. He will feel he

still has something to prove and Leicester can cash in on it.

flag is up against Marlon King. Leicester City free kick. King with

just one goal so far this season miss Read the flight of it. If he

gets a good touch, he is in on goal. He will be disappointed with that.

I think Nugent will feel he could have done better. The service from

Kasper Schmeichel from the back is fantastic. He should do better. You

are looking for those little bits of quality that get you your

Kasper Schmeichel. In case you're wondering and you weren't aware,

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yes, he is the son of the great opportunity from Beausejour to a

least get the ball Neill the Peltier air -- neo- at the penalty

be catching him, and that should be a free kick to the home team.

Ibanez getting across. He will know he has been in a game today. He

does well, actually, just enough Cup finals in Germany in 2006. He

was a deadline day arrival from West Bromwich Albion. Lots of

changes for the two clubs coming almost prepared to take this, but

you need to get three points on the board. Teams are running away with

the leak and they have to start going for it is the game goes on.

Leicester, the emphasis is on them. They are the away side and will

feel comfortable at the moment. They might think the game is there

for the taking, for whoever wants have made a relatively short

journey down the M60 nine to the West Midlands for this match-up and

now have great expectations and high hopes of the immediate years

to come for their side. They will certainly be hoping to get back

into the Premier League sooner rather than later. They have

incredible support. I played there at the end of my career. The away

fans singing is great for the guys out there. They will expect big

things now. A lot of money spent in Matt Mills up there. It is an

excellent turn and shot, isn't it? You're wondering if it is the

centre forward, but it is the centre half and in the end the

keeper makes a good save. A sturdy and Birmingham clear. That effort

fiercely struck from Matt Mills. A bit better than his previous

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Fernandes. You look at Leicester and you think, where is the width

coming from? You could like Swansea with Sinclair on one side and Dyer

on the other, they haven't got that sort of player out wide to create

the situations in wide positions. They play through the middle. When

they payIt is a problem, but Birmingham are doing enough to keep

from the Leicester City captain, Matt Mills. Typical centre-forward

getting in there, but he has good technique and we know that. The

keeper doing his job. It might well be a set piece where the first goal

comes from. Neither team it really wouldn't -- really willing to

commit men forward. Bamber and mills have been very comfortable in

the centre of the Leicester defence. comfortable. King certainly does

chip-in for goals with Leicester. Double figures in the past three

seasons. As you see from the move, he is the one most likely to break

forward. That is what you want. You want to see him coming in a bit

later. That is what they need, a midfielder willing to break forward

one goal in the last five games against Barnsley. They have not

read in trouble to any extent here. Just the heading opportunity for

Steven Holcomb -- Steven Caldwell. We talked before the game about the

manager find his best formation and system, this is the way he wants to

play and he is comfortable. But he is the away team and you think

Birmingham would be going for it a bit more that he can only play what

before trying to get on the end of surrounded and did his best to dig

the ball out. I don't think he was done any favours with the ball he

got. Quite a disjointed effort from Birmingham so far. A lack of

fluidity in the play. And I think the referee might have a little

word with Beausejour. He has taken him out there, hasn't he? Peltier

type of player, but he has Miss Read the flight and has gone

yellow card is waived in the general direction of the Chilean

I don't know if it was the knee or the Ford that catches him on the

chest. He can have no complaints about that. You might have been

worried he would get a red for that. I think it was the right decision

the doubt and say was the tackle of a man suffering from jet lag after

his trip to South America? Well, he was certainly flying through the

spicing up a little, not in the way the Beausejour did a few moments

ago. Lacking a spark of a mind. Birmingham lacking any real

touches early in the game, but he was run out of Davide Paul

Konchesky. That is not his strength. He is not renowned. He wants to

pass it and keep possession in a much a tour in this first half, and

Marlon King not troubling Kasper Schmeichel there at all. He has put

it into an area, but no one is going to get on the end of it.

There is no real purpose to that. 10 minutes or half time. -- until

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top level? A good touch there and you're through. It is that quality

in the final third. Look at the reaction of David Nugent as the

ball is played for at. He does look frustrated. It is about getting the

weight. It is on the move, and it is a hard technique, but you have

class, see his reaction in the games against Aston Villa. He is u

Palmer -- all very nice,, but no Birmingham team. The Senegalese

summer arrival from Dundee United. Konchesky's ball to Bamber. David

Nugent was waiting at the near post, and a good job that Cold War was

there to any behind. Nicely worked. -- Steven Caldwell was there.

Bamber is so good in the air and you cannot switch off, and that is

Sven-Goran Eriksson unsure he is frustrated. Just needs to improve

on it. Free-kick to Birmingham. Leicester City drew the last your

way. Their last were goalless draws need someone to keep those clean

hasn't he? And he wades in with his animated. He will be looking more

from the team as the match wears on, fouled, but Ridgewell using his

body well. You see it so many times, lean on your opponent. And it goes

bench if they want to change things. Nikola Zigic, the Serbian

internationally who scored in the Carling Cup final. David Murphy

also there, and the USA international Jonathan Spector. He

signed from West Ham over the summer. Colin Doyle, the reserve

goalkeeper for Birmingham. Dzinic comes on, you know what will

happen, it will be a long ball. -- towards Chris Wood who has been in

great form this season. But we have not had a chance to look at him

anywhere near the goal. It is easy for Bamber. Leicester's defence

coping very, very comfortably with Birmingham's for play. -- forward

play. They are all over you, like a rash. Both central defenders are

very dominant and animated. It is just in the final third where

Leicester need to improve and Birmingham not getting any change

and Carr. Konchesky has been penalised. I think he leaves a 14

on Carr. That is exactly what he wanted and now it is a free kick in

a wide position. This is dangerous was trying to take the free-kick

from a good 10 yards from where it was. It would have given him a

better angle, but not surprisingly creativity and ideas here. This is

a good Leicester City side and snooze, wasn't he? He's not the

gone to the ball he would have been in a decent position to control it.

They are heading for a couple of will be thinking this is a match to

be one today? Yes. Males playing too many long balls and it's a bit

predictable. I think if they can play through midfield -- Matt Mills.

They need to have players from the midfield wanting to break forward

can raise in wide position many have the full backs to create width

so you need to go through the added time. Will there be a

Leicester will certainly get the chance to put the ball in or around

the Birmingham penalty area. They will be looking for Matt Mills

she is getting Cabaye Liam Ridgewell, but he's using his body

well. Whether Ridgewell was impeding him or not, the delivery

is too long. He just boxer Marfan proximal. Good professional player.

-- he just blocks him off and shielded as Schmeichel comes out.

He has had a very quiet opening 45 minutes, Schmeichel, in the

Leicester City goal. I think he just showed he had kept his

Konchesky, but just not enough. A great run to end what has not been

a great opening 45 minutes. Stalemate is the word at St Andrews

as Chris Hughton's Birmingham City have struggled to make headway

against Leicester City. Steven Caldwell with the one headed

opportunity for the home side while, at the other end, Leicester City

captain Matt Mills testing Boaz Myhill at the near post with a

firmly hit shot from a tight angle. That is about it here. Honours even

Disappointing I think is an understatement. The most

entertaining thing we heard in that first half were the chants about

Robbie's two left feet. If I went down the local park on a Sunday

morning that's as bad as that. Worst half of football I have seen

for ages. What's going on, have they nullified each other?

Leicester having a lot of possession and not doing a lot with

it because they've no natural width and Birmingham not having any

possession to make an impression. The team that have the ball haven't

done enough with it and that's been Leicester. Birmingham had the first

two decent chances, we say chances! These were half-chances, we might

be scraping the bottom of the barrel here. Burke had the first

shot on goal. This almost set the tone for the first half. It's a

good run initially. You think he has done the hard work, he runs out

of ideas as to what he is going to do at the final point. He's worked

the angle, got past the two lads there. Has space but never really

sets himself for the shot. And then we have Caldwell's header. Simon

and Martin both thought the net would be ripping at one point. We

thought this was in. Best chance of the game, that's the only way teams

are going to score from a setpiece. That's a great ball there. Wood

could have headed that. You have to could in those situations, head it

back across goal. If you were a Birmingham fan you would want that

on the head of Chris Wood, he is been on form. He can see more of

the ball. He has set himself, either head that back or across.

Caldwell's always stretching for that. Now you have picked out a

definite pattern of play play here. That might also lead to why why

midfield, no doubt. They haven't any any real natural width. The

only thing you can do is play the ball into midfield and work the

ball and then the next ball has to be over the top. We see it here.

The ball goes wide here. Nobody outside of him. That has to go

inside. A third of the pitch is not available to you. Goes long. Always

been their out. They normally work it more than that before it goes

long. They'll play it into midfield and then look to get Vassell and

Nugent over the top, which is their strong point. They work the

channels. You get plenty of energy from them. We have not seen them

have any real chances. This is a tactic that's infuriating you,

Robbie, every time a ball gets hit long. To be fair, they are having a

lot of possession but in the final third of the pitch which Martin

related to in commentary, nobody's in the box. It's woeful! You are

asking the two forwards to get in the channels and get wide. What

happens then is you have to get people in the box to take their

place. Leicester are trying to play. Birmingham, I don't know what

they're doing. King and Wood, have they touched the ball? They've no

possession to do anything with. Leicester are dominating possession

but not doing anything with it. for Leicester's best chance, we saw

an effort from Mills, but this was much better from him. They've both

come from dead ball situations, one a corner and a a throw-in here.

This is more to do with probably poor defending than anything else.

Decent save. Also it's funny going into this game Peltier was speaking

to the press, he talked about Birmingham's danger from out wide.

And feeding balls up to the front men, we are not seeing that.

Burke's probably been their most dangerous player. Konchesky is

having a tough time against him. But we are scraping the barrel.

When you have four in midfield like that you have to tuck the wide men

in. You have to go four against four. Leicester will dominate you.

When they tuck themselves in and win the ball back they have to get

wide and that's where it's falling down. There's no natural width

instantly for Birmingham. They can't get themselves in the game.

OK. It was an important day in the Championship yesterday. Many of the

promotion contenders facing their rivals, we round up the games.

The big match this weekend in the Championship saw third-placed Derby

start here by Derby. Davis! Great save by the keeper and Robinson!

1-1. Fourth Derby corner. Davis with it.

It's a lovely cross. They're queuing up. Away off the line.

Derby survive as Lambert tried to tee up somebody wearing yellow.

Middlesbrough remain the only unbeaten side in the Championship,

although this draw against Millwall meant they missed out on the chance

to take top spot. Middlesbrough were in front, but Millwall

levelled. Halting a run of three defeats and moving out of the

bottom three. Although they so nearly lost. Had

this 95th minute effort gone in Middlesbrough would have moved to

the top of the table but they had to settle for a fourth successive

draw. West Ham moved up to second behind

Southampton after a comprehensive victory over Blackpool. Carew put

the Hammers in front. Blackpool conceded three more in the opening

ten minutes of the second half. It was 2-0 against a Blackpool team

who themselves scored five against highest quality.

West Ham scored a fourth. The seasiders haven't won at West Ham

for the seagulls since his move. He came close to a 7th.

Curran also struck the bar for the visitors who were unbeaten in their

last seven. Brighton, having started the season so well, now

haven't won in their last six. Michael chop ra was back on

familiar ground, having left Cardiff to move to Ipswich who had

won 2-0 here last season. Cardiff were in front, Cardiff have

scored in every game bar one so far this Wednesday.

But Jason Scotland equalised for the Suffolk side. Scotland was not

exactly a welcome visitor, given the fact he used to play for

Cardiff's rivals, Swansea. There's something about former players

coming back to old haunts and scoring. Chopra on the end of this

cross to put Ipswich 2-1 ahead. Cardiff salvaged a point from a

controversial penalty. Watch the Ipswich number seven.

Guilty of handball in the opinion of the officials. The Ipswich boss

disagreed saying his team had been robbed of victory. Whittingham

scoring from the spot kick to make it 2-2

both these teams have struggled this season. Coventry with only one

win in their opening ten league games, Nottingham Forest have lost

five of their previous six. There was little in the first half for

either set of fans to admire. Lee Camp kept Forest on level terms

with a superb save. But moments later the Forest keeper was beaten.

They now know the size of the task ahead at the ground.

That was yesterday, there was a big game in league one today, Sheffield

United took the lead today after 11 minutes.

Quinn scoring from the rebound. Wednesday came close, though.

Levelling things up when O'Grady also hit the woodwork.

But moments later it was United found the net when Evans headed in

a free kick to make it 2-0 at half- time. That was just half the story.

The second half the Wednesday comeback. Up popped Chris O'Grady

with seven minutes to go to reduce the arrears.

And Wednesday, who have had a terrific run of form of late,

winning the last four, snatched a dramatic draw.

A scramble. But it finally made it over the

early goal, a first minute. Van Persie put Arsenal ahead after 29

seconds, the fastest goal in the Premier League for four years. The

Gunners looking for their third league win of the season.

You will be able to see highlights of all of today's Premier League

games tonight at 10.00pm. Joining Colin will be the QPR manager with

Lee Dixon. Before that this afternoon the best of the action

from the gymnastic Championships. In the wake of yesterday's results

it's an interesting game with Derby and Southampton but a point each at

the end, but standout result has to be West Ham turning over Blackpool

in the way they did. Obviously, I think Ian Holloway won't be

enamered with the way they defended. West Ham - it's funny, I looked at

them before Saturday and thought they've had a few points where you

expect them to win games and dropped a couple of points, yet

they're on 18. You know, they're not far away from getting there.

Who has caught your eye in the Championship so far? You have to

look at Southampton and Brighton. Two teams done fantastically well.

Derby have done well. I think Derby probably overachieving this season,

they're doing exceptionally well. You look at that as a good point

against Southampton. They dominated a lot of that game. Southampton

went to Leicester and really tested Leicester so they're a good side.

We know their home form is second to none. They've come up and people

are starting to believe they can go and be there at the end of the

season. As for the game here, we are struggling for goals, it has to

be said. But we will be struggling to beat this blast from the past.

This is when the flares were wide Finds Burns. Burns going into the

gets the 6th goal for Birmingham City, if it comes, will be awarded

a motor car by a Midlands firm. There is Burns! That's number six.

I wonder how he will look in the seat of a TR7?

And that is what it looked like, for scoring the 6th goal of that,

35 years ago. Funnily enough, Kenny Burns sold that car not long after

and shared the proceeds with the rest of his players. I can't see

you doing that. Would you do something like that with the rest

of your team? No! You wouldn't, would you! I would give it to my

mum. It would depend what sort of car it was with Robbie. Quite

possibly. We are getting news that the referee, believe it or not, has

picked up an injury, that sums up the game after the first 45 minutes.

The second half is delayed by a couple of minutes. If you were

either a managers today, what would you be looking to do now to change

this? Put life into this contest! Leicester don't look as if they can

lose the game when you look. This is the new official in charge now,

Kevin Wright, going to be taking charge of proceedings. How is he.

He is as as -- -- - he is as bad as the game, awful! The earlier

question about the two managers, if you are Sven or Chris, what would

you be doing? Sven, they have been the better side. They've to create

chances. Birmingham have to get on the ball and making some impression

on the game. You are looking at it now and I am not sure, it's

difficult to see how the game can change, unless somebody takes a

risk. This is part of a busy day for Robbie, because you can find

out later if he survives the big one on BBC1 at 7.25pm this evening.

This was you last night. It was a very passionate tango. It suited me

because it looks like I have been tangoed! If one person can do

Strictly, let me tell you Steve Claridge, I have seen this guy

dance and he can move. He can throw a few shapes, I have been told. Did

this go as well as you would have hoped? I tried my best, I hope I

get saved tonight by the public. The response has been wonderful.

You know what, I love it. I love dancing, I am a dancer. I wouldn't

go that far! You have found it exhausting, interestingly enough.

must say, it's harder than than being a footballer. Let's see if we

can find dancing feet here. Let's get to the second half and rejoin

our comentators. Thank you. Just to reiterate we

have a change of official here for the second half. The referee for

the first 45 minutes, Graham's Salisbury, has pulled a calf muscle

there. He is going to be replaced by Kevin Wright who was the fourth

official, Graham Salisbury is going to hold the fort down there in

front of the dugouts until Trevor Massey turns up, Trevor we

understand was here as a guest and he will be now be the fourth

official. That's certainly ruined his lunch, hasn't it? I wonder

which calf that was? We know by now! The war wound certainly on

show. We will be hoping for a livier second half -- livelier

second half. It was a disappointing stalemate in the opening 45 minutes.

Stern words, no doubt, from the managers at half-time. The players

now need to take it upon themselves, I am sure there's been a talking to

at half-time. Sven will know he has the capabilities to win this game.

Birmingham will need to make changes if they want to mix it up,

maybe bring Zigic on. There is Kevin Wright heading out on to the

field with a rather different role facing him now for the second half

to that which he enjoyed in the first.

He is not in any rush, is he? won't be getting the earache from

the two managers during the second period, that's for sure. He can

have it from the 22 players instead. It's a leisurely entrance from our

new referee, it must be said. But it's probably the most dramatic

thing that's happened so far at St Andrews this afternoon. Probably

Nice if he could have a little jog, come on, ref, get a move on!

Birmingham's players have been standing out there for about five

minutes waiting for the start of the second half. At the end of this

leisurely stroll, we finally will get under way. He is just composing

himself, getting ready. Here we go then, Birmingham City will kick us

off for the second period. No changes made by either manager at

half-time. Watch is working. many watches does he have! So is

the other one. At last, the football match breaks

out out again. Fahey gets us under way. Mills with

a powerful header clear. I didn't notice the referee counting the

players on each side by the way. certainly had a sizable half-time,

it was over 20 minutes long. Plenty of time for the two managers to get

across whatever points they were thinking of. They've always had --

almost had too long, they need to revitalise. The game is there for

the taking, whoever wants to win it. It will be a Leicester throw-in.

Peltier will take it. What do you think Chris Hughton might have been

saying at half-time? I think he will have been looking to get more

from the front two. King has not been in the game at all. Get bodies

forward at every opportunity. They're trying to stay in the game

at the moment, Birmingham. No designs on going forward. You can't

do that in a football match, the home side you have to go and attack.

Good distance on that kick. What a thunderous shot from Beausejour!

Much better start to the second half from the home side.

The post is still rattling. Away by Mills. That's worken everybody --

woken everybody up! It's a stunning strike from Beausejour. Beausejour

played most of the first half as though he was in some sort of daze

but this was a cracking effort. Schmeichel no chance, and the frame

of the goal that saves him. Hopefully that's woken this game up.

Encouragement there for the home side, that effort from Beausejour.

Konchesky now for Leicester. Leicester all in white playing in

their changed strip today. You would think it's unlikely

Birmingham would play as badly in the second period as they did in

the first. They really didn't... It's a change of emphasis. It's

about being willing to get forward and brave enough to try and play

and it was there, it was a great effort.

Here is Chris Wood. Now Beausejour.

Buoyed by that effort of a minute or so ago.

Dangerous ball in. And the home side have a corner.

At last we have a noise inside St Andrews. Good pace and ability and

suddenly you are seeing a different diving in to try to get it away.

Birmingham looking threatening for the first time in the afternoon.

Ridgewell. Beausejour.

This is Marlon King. A bad first touch, down goes Beausejour. They

have a penalty here. The referee, Kevin Wright, who has

only been in charge for this match for under three and a half minutes

has awarded Birmingham City a penalty kick.

It's good pace from Beausejour. At first I am not sure whether he

actually makes contact. It's King retrieving defender. Does he make

contact with the ball? I think he does. From this angle? He is

probably unfortunate there because he makes contact with the ball and

Beausejour knows exactly what he is doing. I think he catches the

inside of Beausejour's foot there. he is willing to get into the box

and he asks questions of the defender. Chris Hughton knows even

though his team has this kick, it will mean nothing unless King

buries this chance. It would be his first goal of the

season in the Championship. It is! Marlon King for Birmingham City!

They lead Leicester by one goal to nil.

Pressure on him, of course. He puts it away simply. He has turned this

game on its head. Never for a moment thought Birmingham would

take the lead and now we are going to have to see what Leicester are

made of, see what character. He tucks it into the corner.

Beautifully placed, cool, calm, collected. Schmeichel, no chance.

It's a goal you didn't see coming for Birmingham. Start of the second

half with that Beausejour chance and fantastic effort from nothing

really and Leicester on the back foot since. It sets us up nicely

for this second half. It's what the game needed and Leicester City, the

favoured team perhaps. It's typical of the Championship. They've got to

come out now. Difficult to call any Leicester come up with? Konchesky

there going up for the ball with Leicester here, but Vassell unable

to keep the momentum going. Birmingham will be buoyed by that

goal, confidence will flow through their veins now.

It's only the fourth home match Birmingham have had this season.

Two wins and a draw before today. 1-0 winners over Coventry, three

over Millwall and 1-1 draw with Barnsley. And now they have a one

goal advantage. Ridgewell unable to keep that in. Suddenly when they

score a goal you see confidence coming through the team.

referee, Kevin Wright, only on the field in the milledle -- middle for

three and a half minutes when he made this decision, the penalty

kick. I think he stands on his foot, in fairness. Difficult to see.

doesn't get the ball. It's a the pitch, the new referee, but he

was quick to make the decision. was Quick on the Draw when he

finally did, that decision three and a half minutes, I think, after

now. Peltier counsel. -- down. Free kick.

First time in five matches Leicester have conceded a goal.

complaints here. Leicester's players are complaining because

Beausejour has had a yellow card in the first half. It's not a sending

off. That's why they were making a fuss. That's what the Leicester

fans think of it. A cynical bit of play there by

Beausejour. I didn't think it was a booking, though. I wouldn't want to

see the game changed in that manner. Konchesky then will look to whip

this one in. Anxious moments these for the home

team. Whipped in too quickly there for

Vassell. He's gone for power. Really not a lot Vassell can do

with that when it's coming around at your body height. Konchesky, who

played in a European final with Fulham a couple of years back.

Scored in an FA Cup final for West King I think. -- just an untimely

slip. Neil Danns unable to kick the making a change in the not-too-

distant future. We will keep an eye on that for you. Not a great

clearance by Schmeichel. And Mills is in a spot of bother here with

the referee. And it is a red card. What a dramatic introduction to the

match for Kevin Wright. We have only played for 10 minutes in the

second half and he has awarded a penalty kick and sent off the

Leicester City captain. Kasper Schmeichel puts him in all sorts of

bother. His touch is not great. I He is lunging in, off the ground.

He has gone in with two feet. They going on their backside, and the

foot comes up and it's only going to do damage. The you cannot go

into a challenge with both feet off the floor, launching like that.

Then referee is right in the situation, but why the player needs

to do that is beyond me. He was one yellow card from going into a ban,

and for this two-footed lunge she badly injured because he has sought

to have gone through him. Time and time again you see players going in

with two feet to raise and there is no place for that on a football

changes. John Pantsil, the Ghana international who has played at the

which I think will happen now. Neil Danns will be one of the players

coming off. So, Neil Danns leading down again. Beckford looks as

though he is waiting to come on. But it is just the one change at

the moment. They did have two ready to go. I think the sending-off has

affected that. One final word about the referee, to big decisions and I

think he's got both of them right. Very much so. We were giving him

some stick the matter time it took to get him on the pitch, but he has

given himself time to make those decisions as well and he has been

behind the management duo. They consider what their best move is

now. Remember, Leicester are a man down for the rest of the match and

that is over half an hour. And the flag goes up against Marlon King.

penalty spot when it arrived and now he looks a different player or

the sudden. They all do, these Birmingham players. -- all of a

sudden. They suddenly look really sharp. Another great call from the

A lucky bounce Britain for two Ridgewell. Peltier's header.

officials spot-on with that one. Steve Copeland on the nearside.

Things have spiced up in this half. So many talking points and we are

again and ride out the storm, but they won't do so with play like

that from macro Abe. Keith Fahey's were down to 10 men and you have to

protect it. -- giving the ball away, defender for Birmingham over this

forthcoming season. I think Beausejour changed the game with a

shot at goal and the penalty. He of the twin giants around him has

been sent off. Much resting on the soldiers -- shoulders of Bamber.

Hansel playing as a right-back. Suddenly burning are winning a good

that Leicester could do something. now, but he is the man who has been

scoring the goals for Birmingham. Year-old fashion target-man. Not

that mobile, but always available - far this evening. That is David

quite there for Leicester. Leicester will make another change

now. Richie Wellens is going to come on. Yes, it is you. He comes

on here for just half-an-hour. Wellens is a good player and will

pass the ball to death. He needs caught offside. No, always playing

on the last defender's shoulder. The linesman was right across it,

so an excellent decision again. of activity, the Leicester City

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

comfortable to come out top. -- to always told when you're young to

deal with it and worry about it after. Another change by Leicester

City, and the player coming on his Jermaine Beckford and Darius

Vassell, the former Aston Villa player leaves the field. That is a

like-for-like substitution. Beckford will be a willing runner.

He will have to get through some work here. He arrived from Everton

on deadline day in August. He missed the last match against Derby

with a groin injury. Yet to get a goal for Leicester City. Was

particularly prolific for Leeds a couple of seasons ago. He scored 85

goals in 152 games for them. What a great player to be putting on in

this situation. You need to chase heavy from Beckford -- Nugent

caught offside. He needs to go back a little before he swivels. And

Nugent, playing on the last defender, he knows he has to gamble

but needs to be more patient and more intelligent with his runs.

Starting to get a bit frustrated. at the moment. They have had to

change their system with a player down, still keeping two on the top.

They don't get the same time on the Gelson Fernandes. The temperature

get on with the game and Chris Burke was holding him. Good work

from him. Tenacious and then he is being held. He just wants to get on

with it. Not sure what he has done little happier than he might have

home on the opening day of the season by one-0 at Coventry City

and have work to do if they are going to win on the road for the

getting rather irritated with each It certainly is and Birmingham

looking to just wind it down. They are in no rush to take the free-

the ball in play. He is looking for a better ball from Marlon King

by the crowd. The crowd numbering a little over 17,000 here this Sunday

the box than that. I feel that is Leicester's best way to play, get

the ball into the from players early. Miss out the midfield a

little bit. When you're in good positions you have to make it count.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will be pulling his hair out that he is not getting

a better delivery from his four BOP real sighting of goal for Chris

Wood in the match and he brought the best out a Kasper Schmeichel.

You saw Peltier's naivety going just gets on the inside of Peltier.

A decent strike from there. Schmeichel does especially well to

save it. -- a chance for two-0. Just a bit naive and the defending.

United to join Leicester. -- Kasper Schmeichel move from Leeds. It is

the third time he has played under option. He is trying to come inside

when he should go for Ally -- I think Beckford takes the wrong

option. -- she should go for the intelligent run from Chris Burke.

He runs off the ball very well. Konchesky was a bit slow to see

that. He looks quite lively. He looks as though he might have a

little trick or be able to do something to change again here or

there. I think he is an intelligent player. Probably best playing more

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

central because he hasn't got the by Alex McLeish in the summer

before he left to join Aston Villa. slipped away from him. He could not

see this coming. Very comfortable in the match or the sudden gives a

penalty away, concedes it, down to 10 men -- or the sudden. He has it

famous face in the ground. Birmingham's most famous supporter,

Jasper Carrot. He is certainly laughing at the moment. He will be

but saved by Schmeichel. He looked like his father, the way he spread

himself. A great save. Should be that. No one there for the passport.

That was in the great Schmeichel tradition, the way he shaped his

body to make the block. The way they spread themselves, him and his

father, he stands up for a long while. He does his job for his team.

expecting that. I think Ridgewell decides to jump out of the way of

it. Birmingham lucky to get away with that one. Just sort of whips

it in. That incident shows that we are far from done and dusted in the

he might have got a bang on the head, but he was OK and fairly

comfortable for the keeper. That is way you see a bit of extra quality

from Wellens. -- that his way you see. You concede a run of King.

Good defending in the end to stop the ball from going behind for a

Leicester City Trelfa that solitary penalty kick. He will know he has

to do better there. Both full-backs, and that she shows you, with John

Pantsil on one side, Konchesky on the other. It has gone wrong for

Sven-Goran Eriksson and his team in the second half. Started soon after

the break with a shot from Beausejour which beat the

goalkeeper all ends up, then the big decision for the referee

awarded a penalty kick and expertly dispatched. This was the sending-

off of Matt Mills, the Leicester captain. Straight red card. Things

started to unravel for Leicester City. And that is why we are left

with this one-0 scoreline. But, penalty because King was held up,

but the referee says know. -- says think the ball was out of control.

He knows what he's doing, King, he plays it through to players and

knows there is no way to go. Ridgewell stands his ground and

there has been an infringement in afternoons, Sven-Goran Eriksson

certainly not a penalty. certainly don't think he is

thinking him what he should do next, that is for sure. That would be a

If there is a team that goes down to 10 men who could still win it,

it would be Leicester. It makes intriguing. But they keep trying to

play through midfield. They would brings the run to the end. They are

really going to have to defend now, throw. Leicester are knocking on

Heres Wood. A great chance to wrap up the points. And he has! Chris

Wood for Birmingham City! Just as Leicester were knocking on the door,

looking for an equaliser, surely now Chris Wood has ensured the

points stay at St Andrews and go to the problem for Leicester,

committing bodies forward, and Chris Wood shows maturity beyond

his years. He has a lot to do. A great reverse pass from Marlon King.

I think Schmeichel sultans of a bit short, but he shows the maturity

and tucked it away. Does everything right. Really, from this situation,

you cannot see Lester getting back into it. In Birmingham's nine

League matches this season, including today, Chris Wood has

found the back of the net eight times. Marlon King with the through

ball. And you felt from the moment he had the ball at his feet that

Wood was going to score. He is in that sort of form. What a release

for Chris Hughton and the backroom staff. He is a very reliable

footballer. You expect him to score, but he still has a lot to do and he

keeps his head. He is making a name Right On from the home crowd. They

were rather nervous until about 30 seconds ago.

Five minutes to go here. Five minutes for Leicester to score

twice, to salvage something. Tall Birmingham City.

And Beausejour, the player being replaced. Really it was Beausejour

who got the ball rolling for Birmingham in a way, with that

effort early in the second half which energised the play and the

crowd. It didn't seem in the the first half anybody in the

Birmingham side believed in themselves, he gave them that

belief and with that penalty, he wanted to make something happen and

changed the game. Elliot scored the goal that won the play-off for

Burnley a couple of years ago, so he knows what it's all about in

trying to get out of the Championship. Mostly played off the

bench since his arrival, often as a second striker playing behind the

main man up front. Often the way with one team trying

to get back into it, they get hit by the sucker punch. It's a decent

with a clearance. Birmingham will be looking to keep

a clean sheet, but Leicester, you wouldn't put it past them to grab a

goal here. Three minutes of the 90 away from home for the first time

this season? It looks that way at that ball could have gone in on on

umpteen occasions there. It's not the quality on the ball. A big

decision by the referee from Leicester's point of view, they're

looking for a penalty here and it's not given. For me the ball is out

of control. He knows what he is doing. He has played it between two

players. The referee's right on top of it. Ridgewell OK, he has been

professional, using his body, but for Burke.

Birmingham maybe push for a third. Schmeichel right behind the shot

their teeth here, they don't look like a side about to surrender this

legs one more time. for Birmingham, just pop it around.

They're a little bit behind on the fixtures. Win those games in hand,

they can fly up the table. We are in the last minute now of the 90

and it's strange when we look back to the first half how this match

has panned out. You can't call it. Anybody tuning in now after the

first half won't believe the scoreline. But it's been - it's had

everything in the second half. had everything the first half

didn't. We are heading into four minutes of added time. Birmingham's

players are rather enjoying Sven has opted to leave two

strikers on the pitch. Birmingham are going to make a late

change here. Zigic is the player coming on. And Chris Wood, the

scorer of the second goal, what an impact he is making this season. He

gets a standing ovation. Zigic, well, frankly, he will do well to

get a touch of the ball before the final whistle. I bet it will be on

his head, if he does, because he is absolutely enormous. We remember as

Arsenal fans the melee he caused in the Carling Cup final. Probably the

last time that - I think he has played once since. I imagine that's

imprinted on your brain, Martin, that Zigic scored in that Carling

Cup final against Arsenal. He's been limited to one start since the

final back in February due to groin and hip injuries. Only just really

starting to play again. We are into of added -- four minutes of added

time. At the back end of last season Birmingham falling out of

the Premiership, almost a major here. King underneath that but

Bamba able to get to the ball. No doubt there will be better days for

Leicester ahead this season? It's about learning from this, about

taking opportunities when they're there. When you are dominating a

game, as they were in the first half, you must put something on the

score sheet. It didn't really look as if they were capable of doing it

in the first half. Birmingham City, for all the doom and gloom over the

summer, the financial meltdown and the problems at boardroom level and

the rest of it, actually if if they're able to win a couple of

matches in hand they've got Birmingham should do well this

season, or certainly have the potential to do well and be in the

shake-up at the end. They lost a lot of players but if he look at

the defence, looks very solid, very experienced. It's something to

build on. As long as you have players who can score goals for you,

as we have seen with Wood, you have And that rather sums up the way

things have worked out for Leicester here.

That's goal of the season if that goes in. You want him to start

learning, start developing. He's been at Everton. He can be a big

player at Leicester but he has to - would have been better off getting

into a more advanced position. way off target. That is the catch

minute of added time, looking for a third goal. It will be a goal kick.

Good day for Chris Hughton and Birmingham City in the end. He was

saying he feels their season has to be built on their home form and

they're unbeaten here in the league at St Andrews. Three wins in a draw

from four on their home patch. keeps it tight, keeps it simple.

Beausejour is the one standout player for me today. You got to

have that attacking threat and he needs more of that type of player

to go with that solidarity he has in defence. The last 20 seconds or

so here. Leicester City with time for one last attack. There will be

no route back for them here today. They'll have to lick their wounds

and prepare for home matches against Watford and Millwall next

on their horizon. There goes the final whistle! It's

Birmingham City's day after a second half that was much better

than the first. Marlon King set Birmingham on the road to victory

with a penalty kick four minutes into the second period and Chris

Wood added the second six minutes from time. A final score here at St

Andrews of Birmingham City 2, Leicester City 0. Leicester beaten

away for the first time this season. and second half. Yeah, the referee

got it spot on. I didn't think he was the best referee last season,

but to be fair - he had a good second half and got every decision

right. Two big calls. That's frustration. He's caused the

problem by a bad back pass. This is a fantastic move. Great ball there.

The weight of the pass, the time. That's fantastic finish as well.

Good result for Birmingham at the end. Very good result. They were

the better team the second. Beausejour was the key second half.

Arguably could have been sent off after he scored. Thank you very

much for your company this afternoon. Good luck tonight by the