Zola’s eazy on Kusz

GIANFRANCO ZOLA refused to throw Tomasz Kuszczak under the bus even though his mistake cost the Birmingham boss two crucial points.

Grant Ward’s fortuitous 72nd-minute strike, a cross that bamboozled the Pole, cancelled out Jonathan Grounds’ 48th-minute opener.

Zola, who has won just two games out of 20 since taking charge of the Blues in December, said: “I thought Tomasz was standing on his front post a little bit too much.

“If he was a little bit more in the middle, which he should have been, then he could have saved it.

“It’s a goalkeeper error – but he was outstanding for us last week so it’s part of the game.”

Zola continued: “I’m pleased with the point and the performance. I know it’s a good point because it was a difficult match, and one we couldn’t afford to lose.

“Ipswich did slightly more than us in the first half, but in terms of creating chances in the second half, I think we were on top.” The result leaves both teams six points clear of the drop zone and Town boss Mick Mccarthy said: “I don’t want to be involved in a relegation battle. We’ve got to get enough points and stay in the league.

“I thought the first half was a Championship scrap that we probably shaded, but we lost all our momentum for giving a s*** goal away.

“It was a horrible atmosphere and we got away with a wonder strike, or a lucky cross, to get a point.”