Norwich City 2-2 Birmingham City

Written by: Oliver Osborn

A second-half brace from former Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome grabbed a point for Norwich City at Carrow Road.

After leading by two goals at half-time thanks to Callum Reilly and Demarai Gray, Blues conceded twice in quick succession just after the break and are still searching for their first away win of the season.

But their seems to be a common theme in Lee Clark’s side in recent weeks as yet again they’ve failed to match their first-half performance following the interval.

If games finished at the break Birmingham would have fourteen points and be delighted with their start to the season, but the reality is they sit just two places above the relegation zone with seven points from eight games.

The away side couldn’t have wished for a better start to the match as Callum Reilly celebrated his first appearance of the season with a goal inside ten minutes.

After some good work by David Cotterill on the right hand side, the winger found Paul Caddis who laid off Reilly for a shot at goal.

The midfielder’s low driven effort took a wicked deflection off Michael Turner and wrong footed goalkeeper John Ruddy before trickling into the net, although the England international could have done a lot better.

Despite being considered the underdogs, Blues continued to play on the front foot and had a strong penalty appeal waved away minutes later by referee Darren Sheldrake after Russell Martin appeared to bring down Clayton Donaldson inside the box.

After five wins from their last six league games, it was easy to see why the home supporters began to become frustrated with their team.

A fantastic save from Ruddy denied David Davis a chance to score his first goal for the away side as his curling effort from outside the box looked destined to find the top corner.

But Blues didn’t have to wait long until they did find a second with Demarai Gray firing home as the half-time break approached.

David Edgar’s cute backheel on the edge of the box found the teenager who curled his shot beautifully round the post to cap off a good run of form over the last few weeks.

Norwich responded brightly as they looked to cut the deficit before the interval and their best chance fell to the wrong man as midfielder Alex Tettey fired wide close to the penalty spot.

But just like in recent matches, Birmingham’s second-half performance failed to live up to much and Norwich took advantage.

Former Birmingham players Nathan Redmond and Cameron Jerome gained a new lease of life and the latter brought the Canaries level in just ten minutes.

With three goals in his last two games, the in form Jerome converted Martin’s cross with a great volley after pulling away from his marker.

Just three minutes later the striker scored his second of the match and fifth goal for his new club.

An inviting cross by Redmond from the right was well won by Jerome and looped over Darren Randolph in the Blues’ goal.

Neil Adams’ men pressed heavily for a third, but were unable to find the cutting edge which has seen them become the joint highest scorers in the Championship this season.

Donaldson had a great chance to regain the lead for Birmingham from Cotterill’s cross, but his header from six yards out was well palmed away by Ruddy.

As the game looked destined to finish all square, Redmond almost found a winner late on against his boyhood club.

The winger cut inside from the right and fizzed an effort just wide of the left hand post just before the final whistle blew.

Blues face bottom of the table Fulham at St. Andrews next Saturday, while Norwich face Shrewsbury in midweek Capital One Cup action.

Norwich manager Neil Adams: “Obviously I am pleased with the way the lads fought back but, at the same time, I am disappointed we didn’t go on to win the game.

“I can’t complain too much because we’re now seven games unbeaten and are second from top in the league.”

Birmingham manager Lee Clark: “Demarai Gray was suffering from stomach cramps at the start of the second half and wasn’t able to cover Martin’s run. We were trying to bring Brek Shea on but didn’t have time.

“But there so many positives to take from this – we look a good team when we do things right. Today a mad five minutes cost us a win – but not many teams will come here and getting any sort of positive result.”

Starting line up: Randolph; Spector, Edgar, Robinson (Gleeson 61′), Grounds; Cotterill, Caddis, Davis, Reilly, Gray (Shea 54′); Donaldson

Subs not used: Doyle, Packwood, Duffy, Shinnie, Thomas

Man of the match: Callum Reilly