Play-off contenders Birmingham made hard work of collecting only their third point from nine games in a tense goalless draw with Portsmouth.

And struggling Pompey could easily have snatched a dramatic win with the home side on the ropes.

Injury-hit Birmingham, missing several key players, are a side short of confidence and this was reflected in their latest performance.

They had no power in attack where Marcelo and Andrew Johnson were easily contained by Pompey defenders Carl Tiler and Scott Hiley.

Whatever chances fell their way, both strikers lacked the finishing skill to put Birmingham into the driving seat.

In a frustrating first half, Blues dominated long spells with Portsmouth content to stay back and stage a containing operation.

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe played a key role in midfield for the visitors, setting up several dangerous attacks.

He created a fine opening for Lee Bradbury just before the end of the first half with an inch-perfect pass which the Portsmouth striker ran onto and hit first time only to see Ian Bennett make a fine save to his right.

In the second half, Portsmouth survived some early pressure but it was undoubtedly Graham Rix's side which finished the stronger.

Portsmouth were denied a vital win when Sharpe powered his way down the left and outpaced Martin O'Connor before putting in a low cross which Bradbury hit first time.

On this occasion the ball was deflected by Michael Johnson and Bennett made a breathtaking reflex save to tip the ball over the bar.

On this performance Portsmouth's survival hopes appear to be bright if Rix can maintain the same commitment in his side for the rest of the season.

Birmingham's promotion prospects, however, could depend upon whether their manager Trevor Francis can recall the services of some of his injured stars.

City's slump in form since their Worthington Cup final against Liverpool a few weeks ago is quite amazing but Francis remains confident his side can make the play-offs.

Teams:

Birmingham Bennett, Eaden, Purse, Michael Johnson, Gill, McCarthy (Sonner 61), O'Connor, Woodhouse, Lazaridis, Marcelo, Andrew Johnson (Holdsworth 86).

Subs Not Used: Poole, Bass, Pollock.

Booked: Michael Johnson.

Portsmouth Flahavan (Tardif 82), Crowe, Hiley, Tiler, Vincent, O'Neil, Waterman, Sharpe, Bradbury, Mills, Nightingale (Harper 66).

Subs Not Used: Wolleaston, Quashie, Miglioranzi.

Booked: O'Neil, Hiley, Waterman, Bradbury, Crowe.

Att: 23,304

Ref: M Pike (Barrow-in-Furness).