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Match Report

Birmingham v Portsmouth 27 September 2003

BLUES NOW THE BEST OF THE REST

Birmingham 2-0 Portsmouth

Birmingham bounced back from their Carling Cup embarrassment to confirm their billing as the best of the rest in the Premiership.

Goals from Stephen Clemence and Stan Lazaridis took Steve Bruce's side into fourth and left them - for 24 hours at least - leading the chase behind the big three of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

For Portsmouth, who hit a post through Teddy Sheringham, it meant a second straight defeat and some defensive worries for Harry Redknapp and Jim Smith, who's side looked top-flight going forward but Division One in defence.

Birmingham, who have become the blueprint for promoted sides, will find goals harder to come by this season, took the chances that came their way and survived a second-half onslaught to stay two points behind United.

There was little to suggest such heights in the opening 20 minutes until refereee Steve Bennett whistled for a free-kick to Birmingahm wide on the right even though an irate Clemence felt an advantage should have been played.

His protests were soon forgotten though as Lazaridis swung over the kick, the main suspects missed it in the box, and Clemence edged in front of Amde Faye to nudge home the first.

Crosses from Christophe Dugarry and David Dunn went untouched before the compliment was returned at the start of the second half, Clemence lofting a ball over a crumbling backling for Lazaridis to latch on to and poke calmly past Shaka Hislop.

Redknapp through Jason Roberts on to lead the Pompey fightback but with Yakaub Aiyegbeni grazing the bar on the turn, Alexei Smertin stining Maik Taylor's palms from distance and several scrambles ending in disappointment it was not to be their day.

And so it proved as Teddy Sheringham beat Taylor from 20 yards but saw his drive thump back off a post, leaving the buoyant Blues chasing the big boys.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham): Made one and set up one and was a constant threat down the left

Report From , For full report and stats, click here.