Everton Paper View

Last updated : 23 April 2006 By Brian Cartlidge

Birmingham point in wrong direction

Steve Bruce had not been born and The Crickets were No1 with 'That'll be the Day' the last time Birmingham City won here in the league. Against that backdrop, the Birmingham manager should not be too displeased with a point, though news of Portsmouth's late goal against Sunderland meant that this was not a result to be celebrated. With only two matches of the season remaining, Birmingham are no longer in control of their own destiny and defeat at home to Newcastle next weekend could even bring relegation. Observer


Bruce's charges provide little belief for the faithful

On another day, Birmingham would have seen this as a good point, especially since it was only their 11th won away from home all season, but in the context of the battle to avoid relegation, it was two too few. Their fans cheered West Bromwich Albion's comprehensive defeat at Newcastle but Portsmouth's late winner against Sunderland at Fratton Park meant Birmingham's joy of having three clubs below them in the Premiership table was short-lived. Independent


Birmingham lose control of their destiny with drab draw

Everton's topsy-turvy season may have ended in a gentle breeze rather than a firestorm, but for Birmingham only destiny awaits.
Yesterday, they sidestepped it. Strangely bereft of the passion those in fear of losing their places in the elite are meant to have, City stumbled to what may yet turn out to be a status-preserving point, despite Portsmouth closing the gap with victory over Sunderland. But how they could have done with a victory of their own and the change in attitude that may have given it to them. Times


Bruce still living on the edge

Who would be a Premiership manager? With very little of this down-market match remaining, it looked as though Birmingham might complete a life-saving week by grinding out a point at Goodison Park. Then came news of Portsmouth's victory over Sunderland, and all the old doubts started creeping back for Steve Bruce and his men. Telegraph