Header Ads Widget

Etheridge keeps clean sheet in debut as Birmingham draws with Swansea

Neil Etheridge kept Swansea blank in his Birmingham debut. PFF (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Neil Etheridge kept a clean sheet in his first match for Birmingham, although the club settled for a goalless draw with Swansea in their Sky Bet Championship clash at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Saturday.

Despite missing out on the three points, Birmingham got the needed boost from Etheridge, who made a great save down the stretch against Marc Guehi to keep Swansea at bay.

"I'm really pleased because it's a second game against another team that was in the playoffs last year and this was another really good performance," said Birmingham manager Aitor Karanka.

However, overshadowing the result was a halftime confrontation between Etheridge's teammate Jon Toral and Swansea assistant coach Alan Tate.

Tate was seen shoving Toral by the neck while everyone was heading back to his locker room, triggering a commotion that was quickly stopped by cooler heads.

Swansea and Birmingham are tied for fourth place with Millwall and Watford at four points after two matches.

Either Bristol or Stoke can join the long logjam after Matchday 2 depending on the outcome of their Sunday clash.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_

Post a Comment

0 Comments