Rowett in search for striker
BIRMINGHAM and Cardiff harbour hopes of at least a play-off place come the end of the season. On the evidence of this entertaining goalless draw, both should be there or thereabouts.
Both sides offered a spirited display but fine goalkeeping from both Tomasz Kuszczak and David Marshall and some wayward finishing contrived to keep this season-opener without a goal to show for it.
“We didn’t deserve to win, on the other hand we didn’t deserve to lose,” said Birmingham boss Gary Rowett.
“After a bright opening, we tailed off in the first half and their midfield took control, allowing their defence to pushon. We were grateful to Tomasz Kuszczak for going in on level terms at the break as but for two excellent saves from him, we could have been a couple of goals adrift.
“In the second half we pushed our midfield further forward. It stopped Cardiff playing the ball out of their defence at their leisure and created a number of openings for us.
“We were better going forward but lacked the killer final ball. It is something we will be working on this coming week.”
Rowett added: “Our transfer priority is a striker. I think we saw how we need to add more quality in the final third. I am talking to a couple of players and hope to strengthen in the next week or so.”
Cardiff looked dangerous when pushing men forward and almost opened the scoring on ten minutes. Peter Whittingham’s wickedly swerving free-kick from the left was met by the head of Lee Peltier only for the defender to be denied by a superb reaction save from Kuszczak.
The visitors were causing problems down the left and on the half hour created another opening. Declan John’s cross was cleared by Michael Morrison but only as far as Whittingham, whose sumptuous volley from 25 yards had Kuszczak flinging himself to his left to palm clear.
Fred Gounongbe also missed a gilt-edged chance when he inexplicably skied over from two yards with an open goal at his mercy.
In the second half the game was evolving as an open and entertaining contest took another turn when, following a spell of Cardiff pressure, the ball broke to Lex Immers, whose rising drive from 20 yards rebounded off Kuszczak’s crossbar.
Both sides created openings in the latter stages, but with both goalkeepers on top form neither could muster the killer touch.
“This is a tough place to come and get something,” said Cardiff boss Paul Trollope. “A goalless draw is not what we wanted, but I’ll take it.
“We created chances. Their keeper pulled off a number of fine saves and we missed a couple too. We had one golden opportunity but unfortunately Fred Gounongbe was unable to connect properly.
“We tried a new style of play. Our style and formation was new to the players but I think they performed ever so well. I can see this style evolving.
“We need to be more ruthless in-front of goal though. I was pleased with our approach work, we just need to be more decisive in the final third.
“There are real quality sides in the Championship this season but I am confident, come May, we will be in the mix.”