Birmingham returned to the Division One play-off zone but paid the price for a poor performance as Courtney Pitt's late strike earned Portsmouth a draw at St Andrews.

Harry Redknapp's struggling side, who dominated for long periods, had earlier seen Gary O'Neil hit the woodwork before midfielder Pitt volleyed past goalkeeper Nico Vaesen with seven minutes remaining.

Birmingham, now unbeaten in seven games, were far from convincing after taking an early lead through Stern John but the result was enough to move them into sixth position on goal difference.

John had given his side the perfect start inside the opening two minutes with his sixth goal since signing from Nottingham Forest.

Forward Tommy Mooney found himself in space on the left wing and his dangerous cross into the box was turned past goalkeeper Dave Beasant by the alert Trinidad and Tobago international.

Portsmouth tried to respond immediately but though Croatian star Robert Prosinecki curled a long-range effort wide of the post the visitors struggled to settle early on.

But Pompey began to find their feet and City defender Michael Johnson was forced into an urgent clearance by Kevin Harper's delivery into the area after 10 minutes.

Vaesen then did well to punch away Prosinecki's swinging corner but with 20 minutes gone Bruce had to reshuffle his side when Johnson limped off to be replaced by Darren Purse.

Both sides were struggling to create many openings but John came close to doubling Birmingham's advantage seven minutes later.

Bryan Hughes' free-kick beat the Portsmouth defence and the Blues forward rose to crash a header narrowly beyond the upright from just six yards.

The lively Prosinecki threatened again on the stroke of half-time but his shot from the edge of the area flew straight into the arms of Vaesen.

The Portsmouth midfielder continued to control the match after the interval although his team were devoid of ideas up front, Gary O'Neil firing wildly into the crowd from 35 yards on 50 minutes.

However, seven minutes later the England Under-20 international was desperately unlucky not to level the scores.

O'Neil picked up the ball outside the box and his stinging shot beat Vaesen before crashing back off the woodwork.

City almost sealed the win, though, with 17 minutes left when Michael Hughes' attempt was tipped round the post by Beasant.

The effort roused the crowd and Birmingham threw men forward with John coming close with another header moments later.

But seven minutes from time Portsmouth finally grabbed a thoroughly deserved equaliser with a stunning 18-yard volley from Pitt which gave Vaesen no chance.

Birmingham: Vaesen, Kenna, Tebily, Michael Johnson (Purse 21), Grainger, Damien Johnson, Bryan Hughes, Michael Hughes, Lazaridis, John (Devlin 81), Mooney (Horsfield 63).

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Woodhouse.

Booked: Damien Johnson, Horsfield.

Goals: John 2.

Portsmouth: Beasant, Buxton, Wilson, Primus, Vincent, Harper, O'Neil, Summerbell, Pitt (Miglioranzi 90), Prosinecki, Biagini (Vine 45).

Subs Not Used: Tardif, Barrett, Curtis.

Booked: Vincent.

Goals: Pitt 84.

Att: 25,030

Ref: H Webb (Rotherham).