Birmingham twice came from behind against Rotherham to keep alive their play-off hopes with a battling draw at Millmoor.

The Blues were quick out of the traps, with Martin Grainger swinging in a couple of early corners which had the home defence creaking.

It was not until the 14th minute that the Blues managed the first effort on goal however.

Tommy Mooney, filling in on the left of midfield rather than his usual forward position, cut inside and fired in a long-range shot which warmed the hands of Mike Pollitt.

Despite going eight games without a win, Rotherham showed their fighting spirit by attempting to trade blows with their illustrious opponents, and new signing Darren Byfield almost opened the scoring five minutes later.

The former Walsall striker, who scored on his debut last week against West Brom, cut in from the right and fired in a shot which visiting goalkeeper Nico Vaesen kept out using his feet.

Byfield was not to be denied however, and after 35 minutes he broke the deadlock.

Alan Lee won the ball on the left and rolled the ball square for the home debutant to clinically slot home.

The lead was short-lived however, Grainger putting Steve Bruce's team back on terms just two minutes later.

Stewart Talbot hauled down Bryan Hughes 25 yards from goal and from the resulting free-kick Grainger curled a beautiful equaliser into the top-corner.

It was all Birmingham in the closing minutes of the half, but despite Mooney and Geoff Horsfield going close from distance, the teams went in level.

Both teams came out in the second half knowing a draw was not really enough for either of them.

The Millers, looking to ensure First Division football at Millmoor again next season, had the first chance after the break, Chris Sedgwick firing in a long-range effort that went wide of Vaesen's goal.

Birmingham, hoping to secure their place in the play-offs, responded with a Hughes effort which drifted just wide.

Sedgwick again tested Vaesen before Pollitt made a great save from Mooney's 20-yarder, going full length to tip the former Watford man's shot round the post.

Rotherham went ahead for the second time in the 58th minute through Martin McIntosh's free-kick.

Darren Purse pulled down Lee and McIntosh stepped up to smash home the resulting free-kick.

However, Birmingham again refused to lay down, and they drew level again in the 70th minute.

The ever dangerous Mooney fired in another shot from the edge of the area and Chris Beech, only in the side because of Paul Hurst's suspension, put past his own keeper.

Both sides tried everything to grab a much-needed winner but in the end a draw was a fair result.

Teams:

Rotherham Pollitt, Scott, McIntosh, Beech, Daws, Sedgwick, Swailes, Talbot, Monkhouse (Mullin 72), Lee (Richard Barker 82), Byfield.

Subs Not Used: Esson, Robins, Branston.

Goals: Byfield 36, McIntosh 59.

Birmingham Vaesen, Grainger, Purse, Tebily, Kenna, Bryan Hughes, Mooney, Damien Johnson, Carter, John, Horsfield.

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Eaden, Lazaridis, Woodhouse, Vickers.

Booked: Damien Johnson.

Goals: Grainger 38, Beech 70 og.

Att: 10,536

Ref: M Clattenburg (Cramlington).