At St. Andrews

3rd February 2001

Att: 18,551

Beating Ipswich in the Cup semi-final was Trevor Francis' biggest achievement as Birmingham manager, but it was his Norwich counterpart Nigel Worthington that was the centre of attention after a harsh penalty kick gave the Blues all three points.

The controversy came after 64 minutes, when Lee Marshall was adjudged to have handled a cross from Geoff Horsfield. Darren Purse assumed penalty duties, and placed his penalty into the net.

That goal doubled Birmingham's lead, and despite failing to be really convincing they were able to make up key ground on Bolton and Blackburn in the chase for the second automatic spot behind runaway leaders Fulham.

Follwing the Cup triumph Blues boss Francis went out and spent £1m on Sheffield United's tigerish midfielder Curtis Woodhouse, described as a 'rascal' by Dave Bassett.

Woodhouse formed a new central midfield partnership with Bryan Hughes, recalled in place of captain O'Connor and the injured Danny Sonner, and the pair showed pleasing signs of an early understanding.

It was Hughes who opened the scoring after eight minutes when Stan Lazaridis, who ran Norwich ragged in the first half, sent a pinpoint cross for the midfielder to knee home from eight yards.

Mid-table Norwich proved tough opponents though, with Steen Nedergaard connecting with the upright from a free-kick, before Zema Abbey also hit a post after 40 minutes.

Horsfield twice came close to adding to his midweek brace, but Norwich goalkeeper Andy Marshall was erasing the memories of last season's red card here with fine saves from the burly striker as well as a good block to deny sub Dele Adebola.

After two broken legs last season winger Jon McCarthy made a welcome and well-appreciated return for the home side midway through the half as a replacement for Nicky Eaden.

Norwich fought back to give the home side some anxious late moments, and Chris Llewellyn bravely dived in to head home a super cross from the impressive Nedergaard.

And though the Canaries could not build upon that goal, they showed enough to indicate that there could be better days ahead at Carrow Road.

The only blip on another good Blues day was Horsfield receiving his fifth booking of the season, meaning he will miss the vital local derby with West Bromwich Albion.