Bowyer makes it a Magnificent Seven for Blues

It is perhaps a sign of how much Lee Bowyer has matured in the last year or so, not celebrating his match-winning goal against his former club. Not only has he matured as a person, he has matured as a player- this was his sixth goal of the season, after only netting four times in 35 appearances for West Ham. This latest great performance saw Birmingham move up to eighth after extending their unbeaten run to seven games.

A sell-out crowd saw an energetic game between two sides, which Birmingham, on balance, just about deserved to win. The Blues certainly had the best of the first half, with Cameron Jerome's headed chance the best opportunity just before the break. West Ham offered little strength up front, and it is clear they miss Carlton Cole. The pair of Junior Stanislas and Franco up front were tricky, but the experience in Birmingham's midfield and defence ensured that the Hammers had few chances. The lack of a big striker for either side made it difficult for either side not to play football, and as such, provided an open game. In a similar way to how Nikolay Valuev always appears to be dominating due to his strength and height, neither side dominated throughout, as it was difficult to hold the ball up at either end. Instead, it was more of a basketball game, with both sides enduring corner after corner at various stages of the match. As the first half went on, West Ham pushed out more, and at half time, it was anyone's game.

Seven minutes into the second half, and an expert ball from Christian Benitez proved to be the deciding factor in the match. Lee Bowyer ghosted into the penalty area, as he so often does nowadays, and slotted the ball past Robert Green. (Incidentally, if you didn't know, you would have assumed that Joe Hart was England's Number 1, with his far superior handling and more composed kicking). As so often happens nowadays, Bowyer scored against his old club, and declined to celebrate.

The referee, Lee Mason, was poor. I have often thought he is weak, and this was proved again today. He simply referees according to the crowd, and his sending off of Mark Noble for two bookable offences, on first viewing, seemed very harsh. Noble and Scott Parker were West Ham's best two players, and once one of them was off the field, the threat of an equaliser went. Birmingham could have made it 2-0 with five minutes to go, but Cameron Jerome inexplicably fluffed a chance- unless his finishing improves, he will never be a Premier League striker. He has the pace and power, but much as it pains me to say it, he lacks serious composure in front of goal.

Both sets of supporters must be given credit for creating an excellent atmosphere inside St Andrews. West Ham brought the most away fans to Birmingham this season, and they don't deserve a long hard struggle this season. However, I fear they could be looking straight at relegation, with no firepower up front, and unless they find some investors, no money to spend in January.

It was a brilliant piece of irony this week, with David Sullivan, ex-Blues owner, stating his interest in buying the London club, two days before the two clubs did battle. The Blues fans sang 'Are you watching, Sullivan?' With Birmingham 8th, and West Ham 18th, I know who I'd rather own.