Birmingham City problems resurface in Middlesbrough defeat

Birmingham City were beaten 2-0 by Middlesbrough and ended a spiritless game with 10 men following the dismissal of Kristian Pedersen last night.

Blues started brightly but slipped behind to an own goal from Nico Gordon midway through the first half. They then had the double let off of a disallowed goal and a penalty save minutes either side of half time before being undone by sumptuous strike from Florian Balogun just after the hour. Here’s what stood out...

This was not the way Lee Bowyer wanted to mark the anniversary of a year in charge at St Andrew’s.

Twelve months ago today he was appointed as successor to the deposed Aitor Karanka and he quickly inspired what was a doomed team to Championship safety - with plenty to spare.

After a bright start to the campaign, this season has been one of ups and downs and if Bowyer can point to being one win, two places and three points better off than at the equivalent stage last term - as well as development in playing style, albeit one that wasn’t too apparent against Boro, then it’s clear a lot more progress is needed.

For the large part of this season, absent non-performances such as last night’s have been avoided, clearly they have not been eradicated totally.

This was not a happy full debut for Taylor Richards. Blues have waited more than two months for the 21-year-old and after a promising cameo off the bench against Hull City, against Boro he looked like a player who has been out for a long period.

There was one highlight, when he withstood the pressure of three opponents in the centre circle to release Ryan Woods into the Boro half - but they were few and far between.

The Brighton youngster was casual on the ball, not assertive enough without it - to say nothing of