Relegation gives City the Blues

Newcastle keeper Shay Given broke Birmingham's hearts by keeping them at bay in a goalless draw and so condemned them to life in the Coca-Cola Championship after four years in the top flight.

The Republic of Ireland international made a stunning double save from Mikael Forssell and Emile Heskey on the stroke of full-time when a goal would have set up a final-day showdown at Bolton.

Instead, Birmingham had to settle for a point and that was not enough with Portsmouth winning at Wigan.

The result probably does not do Newcastle many favours either considering their hopes of a UEFA Cup place, but at least they welcomed Michael Owen back and he enjoyed a 28-minute run-out after missing 21 league and cup games with a foot injury.

Birmingham made a bright start and Jiri Jarosik sent a shot over the top in the fourth minute following a free-kick from Jermaine Pennant.

Newcastle had been penalised after a challenge by Stephen Carr left Heskey on the floor.

Heskey peeled away from his marker in the eighth minute to get on the end of a cross from Mario Melchiot. However, the big striker only succeeded in sending his effort over the bar.

There was a scare for Birmingham in the 12th minute when Shola Ameobi got goal-side of Kenny Cunningham and Martin Taylor but could not get a vital touch.

Then Jarosik raced forward to power in a shot that whistled wide of the post.

The home side pushed forward again in the 19th minute with Pennant finding space on the right. He delivered a good cross into the area, but Titus Bramble was well positioned and headed clear.

Forssell then fired wide of the target in the 25th minute after being released by Heskey.

Nolberto Solano hit a shot wide for Newcastle in the 28th minute as the visitors pushed forward.

Certainly Birmingham were having the majority of possession, but they were finding it hard to test Given to any extent.

Pennant was finding a lot of space on the right and the quality of his crossing was good.

He picked out Heskey in the 37th minute and the striker turned quickly in the area. However, he did not get any real power on his effort and Given made the save with comparative ease.

A goal then would have settled their nerves with half-time approaching.

Julian Gray moved up with the attack a minute from the break, but Given was not troubled as the ball went wide.

Newcastle carved out a good chance in the 47th minute when Solano weaved his way into the area, but there was no-one on hand to take advantage.

Play switched back down the other end and Heskey flicked the ball on to Pennant, only for his effort to clear the bar.

Newcastle broke quickly in the 53rd minute and Charles N'Zogbia homed in on goal, but Melchiot made a timely challenge.

There was little to choose between the sides and Forssell showed good footwork in the 57th minute. However, his shot bobbled into Given's arms.

Owen was brought on in the 62nd minute - to the delight of the Newcastle supporters - and replaced Michael Chopra.

Two minutes later the visitors were under pressure when Martin Taylor got a touch to Pennant's free-kick, but there was no-one following up.

Owen showed good movement in the 70th minute to get on the end of Solano's cross, but his header just cleared the bar.

Pennant was continuing to supply good crosses and picked out Heskey in the 78th minute. However, his first touch let him down and Given was able to race out and collect the ball cleanly.

Given then saved superbly from Forssell and Heskey in quick succession on the stroke of full-time to condemn Birmingham to relegation.