Plymouth 0 Birmingham City 1

Dec 9 2008 By Press Assocation reporters

Krisztian Timar wasted a golden chance for Plymouth on the stroke of half time when he headed Jim Paterson`s cross into the side netting from just six yards, with Paterson himself going close shortly afterwards with a 30-yard free-kick that flew just over.

Plymouth again started the brighter after the resumption with Jamie Mackie twice going close in quick succession.

It looked a matter of time for the home side but it was Birmingham who snatched the lead just after the hour.

Just moments after Quincy Owusu-Abeyie had rattled the home crossbar with a fierce 25-yard effort, Carsley found the net with a drive from outside the area that fizzed in off the post.

The goal gave the visitors the chance to get a foothold in the game, although Plymouth would have levelled had Taylor not repelled a stinging effort from Simon Walton.

The home side began to grow desperate in a frenzied ending, Fallon and Gallacher both wasting great chances when well placed.

Read Wednesday's Birmingham Mail for Colin Tattum's big match verdict