Birmingham 2 Fulham 2

Last updated : 14 September 2003 By Footymad Previewer

No less than five players have been given the red card in the last two seasons in games involving Birmingham and Fulham.

But on a bright note on-loan Mikael Forssell marked his debut with two goals for Birmingham to show he is going to be a big asset.

Steve Bruce, Birmingham's manager, afterwards said: "This was a disappointing performance. This was as bad as I've seen from a Birmingham side which gave a lacklustre display."

Birmingham, who had not conceded a goal this season, had the shock of their lives when they found themselves a goal down after only 36 seconds following a surprise strike by Louis Saha.

Purse, drafted into the side in the absence of Kenny Cunningham, allowed the ball to go over his head following a long pass from Jerome Bonnissel.

Saha latched onto the ball and as Maik Taylor advanced slid the ball into the net with the outside of his right boot for the opening goal after only 36 seconds play.

Only a fine save by Taylor a couple of minutes later from Junichi Inamoto prevented Fulham increasing their lead.

Birmingham took some time to gain their composure. David Dunn was industrious and only a brilliant save by Edwin van der Sar from the former Blackburn player prevented an equaliser.

New-boy Forssell displayed his class when he chested down a cross from Damien Johnson but flashed his shot wide of the post.

The Finn came to Birmingham's rescue in the last minute of the first half when he coolly notched the equaliser. A headed pass from Dunn was quickly brought under control before Forssell shot low past van der Sar.

Fulham suffered another set back on the hour when Legwinski was sent off by referee Steve Dunn for a second yellow card following a foul on Dunn.

But the London club took a 78th minute lead when Luis Boa Morte beat Taylor to Lee Clark's free-kick to tap the ball home.

Birmingham hit back when a Robbie Savage free-kick was forced home by the Midlands club's new goalscoring hero Forssell, eight minutes from time.

Their joy was marred when Purse was sent off for violent conduct in an incident involving Boa Morte following the goal.