Source: PA
Dempsey denies Blues
A second-half equaliser from Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey robbed Birmingham of their first away win of the season as a 1-1 draw leaves both sides perilously close to the relegation zone in the Barclays Premier League.
Blues had enjoyed an interval lead thanks to a 19th-minute strike from Sebastian Larsson but Fulham salvaged a point through Dempsey's 53rd-minute header.
Fulham are still one place above the relegation zone and they are now without a win in their last five league games.
Birmingham took the lead against the run of play with their first threatening attack of the game. A superb burst by Alexander Hleb saw him surge into the penalty area and cross for Larsson to control the ball and fire into the far corner.
Fulham started brightly in the second half and renewed pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Birmingham failed to clear a corner and Dempsey climbed highest at the far post to equalise with a simple header.
Fulham were now in the ascendancy and the afternoon worsened for City when they lost Hleb through injury in the 61st minute to be replaced by Nikola Zigic. The home side escaped another defeat thanks to the woodwork in the 74th minute when a header from Roger Johnson rattled the bar, while Fulham substitute Eddie Johnson then wasted a great chance to win the game late on.
