Birmingham City and Stoke City shared the points in a 1-1 draw defined by set-pieces, fine margins and a cruel own goal at St Andrew's. Tomoki Iwata's cleverly-worked 42nd-minute header appeared to have Chris Davies' side on course for victory, only for Phil Neumann to divert Aaron Cresswell's corner into his own net with 19 minutes remaining. The result ensured Mark Robins' team stretched their impressive recent away run to seven points from the last nine on the road.
In a game where both sides had spells of control and moments of anxiety, Stoke carried a major threat in the first half, forcing three excellent chances in quick succession and hitting the woodwork. Birmingham, however, created enough to feel they might have taken all three points, with an Iwata effort ruled out, two penalty appeals turned down and clear chances spurned by Jay Stansfield and substitute August Priske. In the end, a contest shaped by set plays and refereeing calls ended with a draw that, on balance of opportunities, neither side could complain about too heavily.
Stoke's Early Surge and Birmingham's Missed Opportunity
The opening stages were cagey, with both midfields trying to gain a foothold before either goalkeeper was properly extended. After shots from Stoke's Bae Jun-ho and Birmingham's Paik Seung-ho were blocked, it was one of the hosts' January signings who registered the first effort on target. Ibrahim Osman cut inside and curled a shot towards goal, but his attempt lacked the power or precision to truly trouble Tommy Simkin, who gathered comfortably.