Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham 1 Nottingham Forest 0: Ferguson sneaks in to book Everton tie
Birmingham City are into the next round of the FA Cup, when they will visit Everton - but if they produce a performance like did in this replay, then the fourth round will be as far as they go.[LNB] Goalkeeper Joe Hart can only do so much even though manager Alex McLeish declared him 'an England contender' after another busy match.[LNB] On a night when only 9,399 turned up at St Andrew's, the smart ones were the stayaways. The freezing temperature numbed bodies, while Birmingham's poor display numbed minds.[LNB] One to remember: Barry Ferguson celebrates his first goal for Birmingham [LNB]It was hard to explain. McLeish picked the same XI for the tenth time in 11 games yet this perforfance was the opposite of the high-energy efforts Birmingham have been delivering in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] When former Rangers star Barry Ferguson scored his first goal for the club in the 62nd minute, it was the result of City's first coherent passing move of the night. Prior to that they were ragged and after it they were not much better, though there was a recognisable flowing move in the third minute of added time.[LNB] Nottingham Forest, despite manager Billy Davies making seven changes from their victory at West Bromwich, were superior throughout. McLeish recognised that, saying: 'Forest can count themselves unlucky to be out of the Cup.'[LNB] Blues swinger: Barry Ferguson fires his shot into the bottom corner[LNB]However, he was also pleased with his players' 'resilience' on an evening when, he admitted, they weren't at their best. The upside was the result, not the performance and another accomplished showing from Hart. With England's goalkeeping situation uncertain, McLeish said he thinks Hart is as valid a candidate as any for the World Cup squad.[LNB] 'There's an opportunity,' said McLeish. 'I think he's a contender but Fabio Capello is a top coach and he does not need any advice from me.'[LNB] Hart's prominence said much about Birmingham's defensive fragility andForest's threat in attack. Sadly for the visitors, their build-up playwas let down by a series of weak finishes. Two players producedair-shots in front of goal, Dele Adebola missed a clear header and David McGoldrick was denied by Hart.[LNB] 'It's called being ruthless,' said disappointed boss Davies. 'Their keeper has been a pain in the backside if I'm honest. But it's still not an excuse. Over the two games we've made 20 chances. I'm scratching my head.' [LNB] Nott this time: Forest striker Nathan Tyson goes close[LNB]It was the first Forest away defeat since last March. It was also theend of their unbeaten 18-game run. Davies, however, was able to speakof his 'pride'.[LNB] That was understandable. Forest have a league game against Reading tofocus on and that was the message from a teamsheet that did not feature either Paul McKenna or Dexter Blackstock.[LNB] With Birmingham sluggish, Forest had the better of a poor first half. They were winning the 50-50s which said a lot.[LNB] It was expected that Birmingham would improve after the interval but it was not of a breathtaking nature. Gradually Ferguson began to find colleagues and in the 62nd minute he exchanged a swift one-two with Christian Benitez before calmly steering a left-foot shot beyond Lee Camp.[LNB] After that they held on, though only because Nathan Tyson then blazed a glorious opportunity over the bar. [LNB] Alex McLeish admits Birmingham's fine form will give Michel time to settleAlex McLeish insists: The FA Cup is very important to a club like Birmingham[LNB] [LNB]
