Report v Sheffield Wednesday 22/10/00

A brilliant volley from Steve Harkness snapped Sheffield Wednesday’s awful record of eight consecutive defeats as Birmingham’s problems in front of the TV cameras continued.

The victory – their first at home in a difficult season - lifts Wednesday off the bottom of Division One and all came down to one moment of magic just before the hour.

The ball fell to Harkness on the edge of the penalty area as Birmingham struggled to clear a corner and he controlled before firing an unstoppable drive beyond Ian Bennett in the Blues goal.

While it finally ended the losing streak of Paul Jewell’s men, it extends an incredible run of 12 games without a win when Birmingham are live on Sky Sports. Trevor Francis, usually the commentator for this fixture, must be wanting a word with his bosses at the channel.

Efan Ekoku almost got off to a breathtaking start, nearly finding the net after just seven seconds. Birmingham supporter Terry Cooke broke free on the right and the former Wimbledon striker was a whisker away from reaching his wonderfully tempting cross.

It would have been as incredible a start to a live game as the Owls clash with Wolves earlier in the season, when Kevin Pressman was sent off after just 13 seconds. Wednesday certainly like to start their games with a bang.

However, that was as good as it got for the home side in the opening period and Birmingham were unlucky not to go in for half-time a goal up.

A couple of powerful, promising Dele Adebola runs came to nothing, while Geoff Horsfield’s powerful shot smacked a post after 35 minutes with Kevin Pressman well beaten.

The start of the second half seemed lethargic in comparison with the first – Birmingham needing 17 seconds to carve an opening. It was Brazilian substitute Marcelo, on for Horsfield who picked up a tight injury, who could have scored, but he failed to get a proper connection on Stan Lazaridis’ low cross.

Then came Harkness’ first goal for the club, but the hero was close to becoming a villain shortly afterwards as he hauled substitute Andrew Johnson down outside the penalty area. He appeared to be the last defender, yet referee Bill Burns produced only a yellow card.

Another piece of luck followed as Ashley Westwood almost turned Marcelo’s cross-shot into his own net, but Pressman saved well as Wednesday held on.