Turf going for Bowyer
BIRMINGHAM boss Lee Bowyer admitted the St Andrew’s pitch was a pain in the grass and led to this bore draw.
Hull had the better of it but failed to convert their chances while Blues failed to seriously test goalkeeper Matt Ingram.
“From what I understand the pitch isn’t too good – it’s really bobbly, but that’s no excuse,” said Bowyer after his 50th game in charge of the club.
“The pitch was really lively, it’s firm. We couldn’t even do just simple passes today. We got into some great positions, especially second half, but it was just that bit of quality lacking, that final bit.
“It wasn’t very pretty. It was two groups of honest lads working hard but the quality wasn’t there for both teams.”
Hull head coach Shota Arveladze said: “Of course at this level the pitches must be very good but the weather doesn’t help – it’s cold. But at the end of March it will be a bit better.”
Hull could have been ahead after 20 seconds. Keane Lewis-Potter got in behind Birmingham’s defence but from a one-on-one, his shot was blocked by Neil Etheridge.
The Tigers threatened again when Greg Docherty’s 20-yard low drive was deflected inches wide off Marc Roberts.
Birmingham’s attacks were limited throughout. Captain Gary Gardner looped a header comfortably over the bar from Roberts’ cross. Then Lyle Taylor glanced the ball goalwards only for Ingram to flip the ball away.
Blues attempted to take a spectacular lead within 20 seconds of the restart, but Juninho Bacuna’s lob was held by Ingram.
Ingram was in action again late on when Tahith Chong attempted to lob him at the far post, but he easily held the effort. BIRMINGHAM CITY: Etheridge 7; Gordon 7, Roberts 6, Pedersen 6; Graham 6, Gardner 7, Sunjic 6 (Woods 56, 6), Hernandez 6; Chong 6, Taylor 6, Bacuna 5 (Richards 69, 6). Subs not used: Trueman, Hogan, Jutkiewicz, Mengi, James.
HULL CITY: Ingram 7; Jones 6, McLoughlin 6, Greaves 7; Longman 6, Smallwood 6, Docherty 6, Fleming 6; Honeyman 6, Lewis-Potter 8; Eaves 5 (Forss 66, 6). Subs not used: Cartwright, Elder, Sayyadmanesh, Huddlestone, Bernard, Slater.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Keane Lewis-Potter. A dangerman early on and looked like the only player who was going to light up a dull game. REFEREE: Michael Salisbury 7.