AMSTERDAM – Jonathan Spector was among the few Birmingham City standouts on a bad Tuesday night that saw their worst Championship win drought in nearly 14 years stretched by a 4-2 defeat at third-place Ipswich Town.
Continuing his first real run as a center back with Birmingham, the veteran made his sixth straight start in the middle. Though he was beaten for pace by Tractor Boys roadrunner Freddie Sears on the home side's third goal midway through the second frame, Spector largely shined on a busy night at the back.
The Illinois native racked up a game-high six pass interceptions, including a vital pick in front of the away goal just before halftime, to go with eight clearances. Spector also served a pair of first half corner kick flick-ons that deserved better finishes. He was, however, unable to control his one shot at a restart header, sending it well wide in the 26th minute. All this work was done without a single foul and just one ball-handling turnover.
Due to injury, suspension and Eric Lichaj's Nottingham Forest being slated for a Wednesday match, Spector was the only American in uniform as the Brums' winless slide reached eight games in league play, and nine overall.
