Birmingham City were denied a deserved away victory by a late Middlesbrough equaliser.

Blues went ahead through Lukas Jutkiewicz midway through the first half – his tenth of the season. But they were made to pay by not taking their chances when Ashley Fletcher poked home with nine minutes to go.

Here’s how their players rated…

4-2-3-1

Camp – 7

Had virtually nothing to do before the penalty – and dived to his right to turn away. A big save when his side needed it. One good keeper-sweeper moment too.

Colin – 6.5

A nice balance between attack and defence in the first half, characterised by an important tackle on Marvin Johnson in his own area. Pinned back in the second half, unfortunate that the cross for the equaliser came from his side.

Roberts – 7.5

Showed his aerial prowess and decent pace when the defence got turned. Fletcher nipped in front of him for the goal – the only knock on a very good display. Arguably he should have scored from a Maghoma corner too.

Clarke-Salter – 8*

Stood up well to the powerful Ashley Fletcher. Covered well, good anticipation, made his clearances, won his headers, was the embodiment of calm.

Pedersen – 7.5

These composed and committed displays are becoming the norm for the Dane now. He wasn’t picked out when he made his best runs forward but did have one header on to the roof of the net.

Davis – 7

Covered plenty of ground and closed well, battled throughout and made a couple of vital cover tackles in his own box.

G.Gardner – 7

Hurtled around like a man possessed in the first half. One superb run down the right almost produced a second goal but also conceded the penalty and flew into tackles. A powerful influence in the second half when he carried Blues upfield.

Maghoma – 6.5

Put in one inviting back-post cross late in the opening period but wasted a couple of other openings, including a free kick on the apex of the box early in the second half. But his willingness to work back was commendable.

Mrabti – 6

Hit the post after a neat touch to work himself space in the 33rd minute. He did his work closing down, offered himself but perhaps his most meaningful contribution was a vital covering tackle that ended a Boro counter just before he came off.

Bela – 7

Yet another assist, a pinpoint cross on to Jutkiewicz’s grateful bonce. A real threat which ever side he patrolled. Taken off with 14 minutes to go as he tired.

Jutkiewicz – 7

For once he enjoyed a mismatch against a callow back three, Howson was no match for his strength and aerial power. Cruelly denied a late winner after a very strong performance.

Subs

Crowley (for Mrabti, 61) – inventive, 6

Bellingham (for Bela, 76) – N/A

Not used : Trueman, Montero, McEachran, Sunjic, Gimenez 

*MOTM – Clarke-Salter

Opposition

BORO (3-4-1-2): Pears; Fry (Wood 36), Howson, McNair; Spence, Wing, Saville (Gestede 67), Johnson; Roberts (Tavernier 24); Nmecha, Fletcher. 

Not used: Mejias, Clayton, Reading, Liddle

Goals

Boro (Fletcher, 81)

Blues (Jutkiewicz, 27)


THE REF : Andy Woolmer

ATTENDANCE : 18,350

NEXT UP : Coventry City away (H), Saturday January 26, 3pm kick-off