Birmingham City 0-0 Hull City: Goalless Draw At St. Andrews

Posted Sunday, April 18, 2010 by Goal.com

Hull City were unable to lift themselves closer to safety as they were held to a goalless draw by Birmingham City in a tense encounter.

Hull travelled to St. Andrews in desperate search of three points as they continue to fight off the threat of relegation. Manager Iain Dowie knew that victory would see his side edge closer to their rivals above the drop zone, but was all too aware of Birmingham’s incredible home record this season.

The Tigers made three changes to the side that were comprehensively beaten last week by Burnley. Matt Duke, Tom Cairney and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came in to replace Boaz Myhill, Bernard Mendy and Jozy Altidore respectively.

Birmingham, meanwhile, went into the game still harbouring hopes of a potential Europa League place despite their recent dip in form.

Alex McLeish made just one change to the side beaten 5-1 at Eastlands last week, with goalkeeper Joe Hart returning to the starting line-up in place of Maik Taylor after being ruled ineligible to face his parent club last weekend.

The first real chance of the game came in the 5th minute where following a James McFadden corner, Hull failed to clear their lines and it was McFadden himself who cut inside and sent a fierce left-foot drive just over the bar from 25 yards out.

Despite a glancing Scott Dann header which floated harmlessly past the far post following a Birmingham free-kick, Hull began to fight their way back into the game and almost took the lead when good build-up play saw captain George Boateng flash a ball right across goal with Hesselink unable to make contact.

The game then began to open up as both sides had chances with Matt Duke spilling Craig Gardner’s cross before Jimmy Bullard tested Joe Hart on the counter-attack from the resulting corner.

Hull continued to push forward with Bullard again the driving force behind their best moves but were unable to worry Hart in the Birmingham goal.

Birmingham then came close to breaking the deadlock through Keith Fahey who broke into the Hull box but saw his shot turned behind by Duke, and McLeish’s side had another chance shortly after when Lee Bowyer sent a looping header just over.

Both keepers then produced fine saves, with Duke denying Bowyer with his shot destined for the back of the net, followed by Hart who produced a brilliant reaction save at the other end to deny Hesselink from close range.

The sides went in at half-time level, and it was Cameron Jerome who had the first chance of the second half but his shot was comfortably saved by Duke.

Neither side were able to produce any real chances at the start of the second half, despite the introduction of Kevin Phillips, Birmingham were unable to conjure up any goal scoring opportunities.

Hull replaced Hesselink with Jozy Altidore in the hope of grabbing all three points, but the American’s introduction failed to have a real impact as chances became few and far between.

Hull began to push forward in the closing stages in search of a priceless win, and their creative inspiration Jimmy Bullard went on a mazy run towards goal before poking a shot goal wards and forcing a save out of Hart.

The away side went close when Tom Cairney attempted a half-volley from just outside the box, but saw his shot soar just over the bar with Joe Hart beaten.

In a tense finale, it was Hull who had the chance to grab a late, late winner when Craig Fagan fired wide from inside the area. Jimmy Bullard had one last shot which trickled wide of the goal before Mark Clattenburg sounded the full-time whistle as the sides failed to find the net.