Listen - West Ham 1-1 Birmingham City - Curbs adamant over Brum penalty

It was frustration at Upton Park on Saturday. Freddie Ljungberg netted his first goal for the club since his move across the capital from Arsenal in the summer but despite a good early start to the match Birmingham hit back within 7 minutes from the penalty spot - a decision which incensed Hammers' boss Alan Curbishley.

Frustration grew in a drab second half as well with both sides failing to carve out significant openings and that led to Curbishley's personal discontent reaching boiling point after watching Lee Bowyer harshly red carded with two minutes to go - a decision sure to be rescinded under appeal.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Curbishley hoped Bowyer would receive a reprieve with his thread-bare squad as it is after another afternoon where the Hammers' failed to capitalise on home advantage.

It's been an inconsistent season for the East End side, with fantastic away results followed by less than impressive home performances against mid-table opposition despite wins over Manchester United and Liverpool.

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