Birmingham City fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Southampton in a dramatic Sky Bet Championship clash on Tuesday night. August Priske's second-half header cancelled out Keven Schlotterbeck's opener for the visitors in a match packed with chances at St. Andrew's Stadium.
Chris Davies's side entered the fixture sitting eighth in the table with five points from their opening three games. Their form reads WDD, having scored four goals and conceded three. This result keeps them four points behind early leaders Charlton Athletic.
How did Birmingham City respond to going behind?
Southampton struck deep into first-half stoppage time. Leo Scienza delivered a corner in the third minute of added time and defender Keven Schlotterbeck powered home a header. It was his first goal since January 2025. Birmingham's response after the break was immediate and sustained. They created a host of opportunities to level the score before finally breaking through.
Jay Stansfield was particularly unfortunate. He raced 40 yards after a mis-hit backpass from Schlotterbeck but could only hit the post. Later, he headed inches wide from an Alex Cochrane cross when completely unmarked. Jhon Solis fired just wide from 20 yards, while Cyle Larin drove a low shot straight at Saints goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Tomoki Iwata sliced a chance wide at the far post, and August Priske saw a rising shot fly over the bar.
Who scored the equalising goal for Birmingham?
The pressure finally told in the 55th minute. Patrick Roberts delivered a cross from the right and August Priske met it with a firm header for his first league goal of the season. The goal sparked a frantic finale as both teams chased a winner. James Ward-Prowse saw a 25-yard free-kick palmed away by Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle, with James Bree firing the rebound into the sidenetting.
Southampton then missed a double chance to regain the lead. Ward-Prowse's deflected shot was palmed up by Beadle and Cyle Larin looped the rebound wide. At the other end, Phil Neumann headed straight at Peretz from a Demarai Gray free-kick. Kuryu Matsuki had a volley ruled out for offside in the closing stages.
What did the managers say after the match?
Birmingham boss Chris Davies praised his team's reaction. "It was a very good game," Davies told Sky Sports Football. "We had an electric start - I was really pleased with how we got after them." Southampton manager Tonda Eckert acknowledged the spectacle. "It was a good advertisement for the Championship - a good game of football," Eckert said.
What is Birmingham City's current squad situation?
The Blues are currently without winger Demarai Gray and midfielder Marc Leonard, as listed on the club's injuries page. Their next challenge is a significant one, hosting second-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. Andrew's on Sunday, September 6th. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full fixtures list on the official site. The draw maintains Birmingham's solid start to the campaign as they prepare for a tough run of games.
