Bowyer's late goal gives Birmingham draw with Man United

Birmingham City's Lee Bowyer, right, competes for the ball with Manchester United's Darron Gibson during their English Premier League soccer match at St' Andrews stadium, Birmingham, England, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010.


LONDON, Dec. 28 -- Lee Bowyer's late leveller enabled Birmingham City to draw 1-1 with Manchester United at St Andrew's so as to climb out of the bottom three in Premier League.

Both sides failed to make any achievements in the first half with fierce scramble in the midfield and Man United launched their most threatening attack in the 18th minute when Ryan Giggs' curled shot hit the far post after being tipped by Birmingham keeper Ben Foster.

The tough home side showed no sign of weakening after the interval but Dimitar Berbatov's strike put them in shadow after 58 minutes. The Bulgarian released Darron Gibson with a clever flick and then took the return pass to drive a shot inside the post.

But as Man United couldn't split with their rivals with a bigger gap, Birmingham grabbed their chance in the last minute of the regular time while Bowyer slotted home in close range.

After Bowyer rescued a point for his team, Birmingham managed to climb to the 16th place with 19 points, only one point behind Aston Villa, who suffered a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City where Italian international Mario Balotelli scored a hattrick.

Although Younes Kaboul received a straight red card for a foul on Cheik Tiote in the 65th minute, a 10-man Spurs were sharp enough to sent off Newcastle United 2-0 from the White Hart Lane.

The London side then leapfrogged defending champions Chelsea into the top four.

Besides, West Ham United and Everton drew 1-1 at Upton Park. Sunderland lost to Blackpool 2-0. Blackburn claimed a 3-1 away victory at West Bromwich Albion with both sides having a man sent-off. Stoke City were defeated by Fulham 2-0.

(AFP)