Birmingham failed to take full advantage of leaders Wolves losing as they drew 1-1 with Burnley.
Burnley took an early lead through Martin Paterson who tapped home from close range after Robbie Blake's cross-shot fizzed into his path.
Kevin Phillips equalised for the Blues eight minutes before the break when he beat Brian Jensen from 12 yards out.
Both sides had chances to win it but Maik Taylor and Jensen were in fine form between the sticks.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish:
"Why didn't the players turn up for the first half? We began very slowly and appeared to be in a trance. Burnley, to their credit, got out of the blocks very quickly.
"Despite our organisation, work and training we looked extremely vulnerable and it was almost as if they were saying to Burnley 'hurry up and score'.
"It was an amazing first half but the second period was much better."
Burnley manager Owen Coyle:
"We didn't take our chances and we then made a terrible error at the back.
"Usually coming to Birmingham you would be pleased to leave with a point. I have to say I am not. I am disappointed as we were deserving of three points.
"The first half was as good as we have played this season - including all the games we have won against Premier League teams."
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~07~RS~){kind=small}
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~07~RS~)
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Bookmark with:
What are these?