'They are not silly' - Lee Bowyer opens up about the backing of Birmingham City supporters

Birmingham City ended their away programme with a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City. Jeremie Bela’s first goal for seven months was cancelled out by a late penalty from Will Vaulks as Blues once again struggled to make the most of their chances.

Here’s what stood out on another exasperating road trip.

Eight times this season Birmingham City have taken the lead and failed to win the match. What started out as an irritation in the first half of the campaign – when Cardiff and Reading were allowed to slip the hook – has become a very real problem.

Three times in the last four games Blues have led only to have to settle for either a draw – away to the Bluebirds and at home to Millwall - or even worse, when they failed to convert a two goal lead against Coventry City into anything more than a 4-2 defeat.

It happened twice before Christmas – six times since. And thrice in the last fortnight. A total of 20 points frittered away. Had Blues been able to retain even half of those the entire narrative of the season would be different.

It was a shame not to see more youngsters on duty for Blues, especially when Cardiff started the game with five players 21 or under. Lee Bowyer admitted before the match he’s torn between results and player development.

The head coach had suggested before the game there could be opportunities for the likes of Jobe Bellingham, Marcel Oakley and George Hall, maybe those will come in the final match of the season at home to Blackburn Rovers.

As it was only one home grown player made the starting line-up, with one more outfield player on the bench – and the game goes down as more valuable experience for both Nico Gordon and Jordan James. The former had another testing afternoon, up against the powerful