Taylor: That goal didn't help matters

Last updated : 17 September 2002 By VillansMAD
Taylor admitted he had never seen a goal like Birmingham's second - keeper Peter Enckelman looking to make a routine clearance from a Mellberg throw-in tried to trap the ball and let it roll under his foot and into the net.

Video evidence as to whether the Finnish keeper made any contact with the ball before it crossed the line proved inconclusive.

Taylor said: "It's a sloppy goal but probably the sloppiest of luck. You wouldn't expect a throw-in to go straight into your own net.

"It will be very humbling for the Villa supporters. There is no joy for us at all this evening - it's more than a disappointing night."

"At the start of the second half it looked promising." .

"We were a goal down but very few people have seen a goal like that - I certainly haven't.

"That goal didn't help matters and neither did the third. We've defended well this season but not scored at the other end.

"We've defended very poorly this evening - we never give away goals like that."

Taylor said Enckelman did not realise he had to make contact with the ball from the throw-in for it to be a goal.

"Peter felt once the throw-in had gone in it was a goal anyhow - he did not realise he had to touch it. He does now of course.

"I asked him if he touched the ball and he said 'I haven't got a clue - but I thought I hit the ball.'"

"His head in hand reaction gave the impression that he had touched it though."