Birmingham kept alive their hopes of making the promotion play-offs with a dramatic last-minute winner from Michael Johnson.

The game was heading for a goalless draw when Alan Miller, Albion's goalkeeper palmed out Martin Grainger's corner to Chris Marsden who put Johnson in possession to score with a low shot.

Previously they had been repeatedly foiled by Miller, who made a string of fine saves to keep his side in the game only to make the one mistake to give Birmingham their vital win.

It was Birmingham's first win in seven attempts to beat Albion but it proved a frustrating game for Birmingham.

Kevin Kilbane, who has developed into a top quality player this season with Albion, was another key player in the first-half when his telling accuracy put Birmingham under considerable pressure.

There was one dangerous moment when the Irish international produced a surprise cross from the left and Ian Bennett had to make a desperate save to prevent the ball going into the top left hand corner of the net.

Birmingham, desperate to remain in contention for the play-offs, had an anxious spell before Martin O'Connor began to take command in midfield.

His distribution created several dangerous situations with Bryan Hughes and Nicky Forster both emerging as dangerous strikers.

In the second-half it was Miller who again came to Albion's rescue as Birmingham attempted to break the stalemate.

Forster twice shot wide with cross shots and Steve Bruce saw an effort saved by Miller with his feet.

It was therefore tragic that he should make his only mistake to gift three points for Birmingham.

Teams

Birmingham: Bennett, Bass, Charlton, Bruce, Johnson, Marsden, McCarthy (Grainger 70), O'Connor, Adebola, Hughes, Forster (Forinton 89), Forinton (Ablett 90).

Booked: Johnson, O'Connor, Adebola.

Goals: Johnson 90.

West Brom: Miller, Burgess, Murphy, Sneekes, Beesley, Carbon, Flynn (Coldicott 88), Nicol, Hunt (Quailey 76), Quinn, Kilbane.

Subs Not Used: Potter.

Att: 23,260

Ref: R Pearson (Peterlee).