By manx
March 16 2003

manchester city run out 1-nil winners over birmingham city with fowler getting his first goal in a city shirt,to please the city faithfull and his manager kevin keegan Robbie Fowler scored his first goal for the club. His stunning effort came from a pinpoint accurate cross from Benarbia, the striker at full stretch stabbed home. The crowd erupted and chanted his name as he ran the length of the North stand saluting the fans. Birmingham then won a corner that shook the nerves of City. Lazaridis floated the ball in and the City defence failed to clear, Dugarry nearly stabbed home but after some frantic defending the ball was hoofed clear.

Niclas Jensen was then sent off after he clipped the boots of Lazaridis down the left hand side. The replay suggested that the decision was a little harsh on the defender. Keegan re shuffled the pack by taking off goal scorer Fowler and bringing on Jihai Sun.

With only ten men City still pressed for another goal. It nearly came when Benarbia found himself on a one on one with Bennett, instead of shooting he held the ball up to make the pass, he was quickly dispossessed and the ball was clear. The frustration was etched on Foe’s face, as he was the player who did so much to put the Algerian through.

Anelka then wasted what was another sure chance. After the ball took a cruel deflection off a Birmingham defender the Frenchman pounced on the loose ball. He raced clear and with another one on one with Bennett, he attempted to round the keeper before finishing. Bennet checked his run and dived to save the strikers shot. Maine Road was aghast.

Birmingham nearly snatched an equalizer just as the fourth official signalled 2 minutes extra. After confusion between Wiekens and Sommeil substitute Horsfield stole in and rounded Schmeichel, before he could get the shot off he tripped under his own pace and fell flat on the deck. The ball rolled clear for a goal kick.

As the final whistle blew Manchester City were warmly applauded off the field after a battling performance to stop a slide down the table. Kevin Horlock was announced man of the match after his strong head to head performance against Robbie Savage.

There should have been more goals for city side after Anelka had 2 golden opportunities to up his goal tally.