By Chris Kirwan
December 26 2002

Wayne Rooney was dismissed by the consistently awful David Elleray as Everton earned a point in a predictably hard fought game. The goals came from Radzinski and Kirovski. I wasn't there, but by all accounts it was a terrible match, of which the main talking point will be Rooney's red card. He was sent off for a two footed challenge on Steve Vickers; Alan Smith said on Gillette Soccer Special that it was a tad harsh. The Everton goal came on the stroke of half time from Tomasz Radzinski, but Jovan Kirovski equalised for Birmingham within a minute.

It has to go down as a good point, as not many sides will leave St Andrews with the full 3 points this season. The value of the point was enhanced by the R-S only managing a point at home to Blackburn, ensuring the Blues stay above them in the table. Next up are Bolton at Goodison on Saturday.