Birmingham reign victorious in the midlands derby
Scenes of shock and controversy followed the Wednesday evening Carling Cup fixtures between Birmingham and Aston Villa, and Ipswich and West Brom.
The midlands derby was heavily marred by threatening scenes at the final whistle, as Birmingham fans stormed the pitch towards the away stand housing their Villa counterparts, while the claret and blue fans instigated more trouble by launching flares.
The violent scenes followed the rapture from Zigic’s 84th minute winner – a goal that saw the striker transformed from zero to ultimate hero. The Serb had been feeling the wrath of frustrated Blues fan, as he had turned in a lackluster performance for the previous 84-minutes, however his bundled-in close range, deflected, finish ensured his cult status. His performance, and unattractive shot, was irrelevant to Birmingham and their fans; all that mattered was victory over their rivals in this knock-out cup game.
The Blues got off to a good start, as Seb Larsson converted a penalty just 12-minutes in, following a Richard Dunne foul on Lee Bowyer. Villa seemed to be in the ascendency for long periods, but couldn’t make it count – despite grabbing a deserved equaliser from Agbonlahor before half time. The away team seemed unlucky to end the game on the losing side.
Ipswich progress to semi finals
Ipswich have made it through as surprise semi-finalists; the only remaining side to represent from below the Premier League. It put a temporary end to their poor form, and gave the supporters something positive to grasp on to after their morale-sapping loss in the East Anglian derby. Ipswich were deserved winners in the evenly balanced tie; hinted to in the fact that the goal came from the spot and not from open play. Both teams had their fair share of chances, but last-ditch defending and disappojnting finishing prevented either side taking the advantage. The penalty – converted by Leadbitter – was a result of Dorrans challenge on Carlos Edwards on the edge of the area – Edwards had surged past a hesistant Marek Cech, towards the box, but the foul was so borderline on the edge of the area that Dorrans protested it should have been a free kick.
SEMI FINAL TIES:
The Tractor Boys have drawn Arsenal, hosting the first leg; while West Ham will play Birmingham. The first legs take place at Portman Road and Upton Park respectively in the week commencing 10th January, before the second legs a fortnight later.
Pursuit of Nattiness 