Match no. 486. Despite having games in hand on all the teams above them, Hammers promotion challenge was beginning to fade as the FA Cup run took its toll and this defeat to rivals Birmingham virtually ended our hopes. Billy Bonds and City''s Colin Todd were sent off for fighting in the second-half, an event which for a time jeopardised Bonds'' involvement in the forthcoming FA Cup final although, in the end, he was able to play. Hammers eventually finished seventh, 6 points off a promotion place, while Birmingham finished third, pipping Chelsea for promotion on goal difference.