Sheffield United 1-1 Birmingham City

Leon Clarke had scored hat-tricks in his two previous games at Bramall Lane

Leon Clarke scored his ninth goal in four games but Sheffield United lost ground on Championship leaders Wolves by being held to a draw by Birmingham.

Jeremie Boga, on loan from Chelsea, scored a stunning first goal for Blues from 25 yards to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.

But the Blades' pressure told when Clarke drove in to level from 12 yards.

Sheffield United remain third in the table, seven points behind Wolves, who thrashed Bolton 5-1.

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The draw brings Chris Wilder's side level on points with second-placed Cardiff, who travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but behind them on goal difference.

Birmingham, meanwhile, move two points clear of the relegation zone after picking up only their second away point of the season and first since Steve Cotterill took over as manager last month.

Cotterill opted to play three central defenders and, for the most part, Birmingham defended stoutly and looked solid as they frustrated the Blades.

Jeremie Boga's previous goal was for Grenada against Barcelona in La Liga last season

Sheffield United dominated possession and territory but struggled to create clear chances, although John Lundstram forced a diving save out of the returning David Stockdale, while Clarke scuffed an effort wide.

Boga brilliantly fired Birmingham, who arrived at Bramall Lane having scored only nine league goals all season, in front before the break after the Blades only partially cleared a Jota corner.

And it looked as though they would withstand wave after wave of home pressure until Clarke found enough space inside the box to steer a shot past Stockdale at his near post.