Birmingham 1 Charlton 1

Last updated : 21 December 2002 By David Robson

Birmingham City's disciplinary record, the worst in the Premiership, continued to cause concern at St Andrews when Geoff Horsfield collected his second red card in three home games.

Another eight players, four from each side, received yellow cards in an ill-tempered game as Charlton extended their unbeaten run to six games.

Birmingham, however, were well worth their point for a battling performance when the game sparked to life after the dismissal of Horsfield.

Birmingham, seeking to build upon last week’s success at Fulham, could make little impression in the first half against a well-drilled Charlton side which has built up a reputation as a difficult side to beat.

The Londoners often demonstrated their confidence to combat the eager Birmingham side with Gary Rowett outstanding against his former club.

Birmingham's lack of goal power was often highlighted by the ease in which Charlton were able to eliminate a potentially dangerous situation.

Horsfield wasted an easy chance early in the game with a weak shot straight at Dean Kiely that the Midlanders were ultimately to regret.

Robbie Savage attempted to dominate the midfield but it was the quiet skill of Claus Jensen which was often more effective.

He eventually made a major impact in the 37th minute when he put Charlton ahead following a spell of strong pressure when Birmingham's reconstructed defence was far from secure.

Goalkeeper Nico Vaesen attempted to find Savage with a long throw but Paul Konchesky gained possession to send Jensen clear.

The Danish international calmly controlled the ball, waltzed around Nico Vaesen and coolly slotted his shot into the far corner of the net.

The game exploded with the sending off of Horsfield for a foul on Luke Young in the 54th minute. Just nine minutes later Paul Devlin converted a penalty after Aliou Cisse had been fouled by Chris Powell.