Sport Writer Seth Nobes reports on a thrilling affair at St Andrews, in which Cardiff City fought back from 2-0 down to share the spoils against Birmingham City
Marc McGuinness’ stoppage time header saw Cardiff City overturn a two-goal deficit to earn a point away at Birmingham City.
Predictions of a physical game were confirmed instantly, with both sides possessing tough strikers like Troy Deeney and Kieffer Moore who relish fixtures like this. It was the latter who had the first opportunity of the game, his third minute effort just bouncing over the bar.
In the sixth minute, play was stopped to allow a minute’s applause from fans and players alike to remember six year old Blues fan Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. The whole stadium sang his name- Arthur, you are loved.
When play resumed, the fixture picked up where it left off. Both sides tried to play to their target men’s strengths, but the spree of long balls played out from the defence found little success. Ivan Sunjic’s drive from outside the box was the only half chance in a scrappy first period.
On this cold December afternoon, there was only one man to open the scoring. Following a period of long throws, shirt pulling and poor set pieces, Birmingham City were set on the counter. Deeney found Perry Ng between him and the goal; a nutmeg saw him one on one, and the veteran made no mistake, putting the hosts 1-0 up.
As half time grew closer, the away side began to switch off, with Blues taking full advantage. Some good work from Scott Hogan in the centre circle allowed Deeney to release Riley McGree, whose inch perfect cross saw Sunjic slam home from a few yards out, sending Birmingham City into the break two goals to the good.
The gritty nature of the game continued into the second half, with both sides reduced to half chances. As time ticked on, Cardiff took control of the game, building the pressure which eventually allowed the Bluebirds a way back into the game.
A long ball forward following a Birmingham attack highlighted Blues’ defensive shortcomings, with a weak deflected clearance from Jordan James seeing Moore through on goal, with the Welshman keeping his cool to reduce the deficit.
The goal provided the Bluebirds with the momentum required to push forward for an equlaliser. Chances came and went, but as added time was announced, the away team’s pressure finally told. An outswinging corner was put into the box, and McGuinness made no mistake latching onto a free header. The travelling fans, who to their credit had been loud throughout the game, celebrated wildly, as their team came from behind away from home once again to earn a point.
A point apiece at St Andrews was a fair result, with neither team having a strong enough claim for all three points. The result means Birmingham City rise one place to 15th, with Cardiff City also gaining a place, sitting in 20th.
After the game, Cardiff City manager Steve Morrison spoke to Redbrick Sport, saying,
‘The changes in the second half were brave, and worked to a certain extent. However, both goals could have been stopped; the players need to take responsibility. The dressing room is not a happy place.’
Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer, was clear in his post-match reflection.
‘Two points have been dropped here.’ He said. ‘We switched off at the end and got punished for it. They [Cardiff] kept pushing and pushing, and in the end, got their reward.’
Here’s more from Sport:
Comments