Sheffield United 1-1 Birmingham City: Troy Deeney strikes to earn Blues point at Bramall Lane
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Troy Deeney's strike was his first goal in 17 matches
Troy Deeney's first goal of the season denied Championship leaders Sheffield United a fifth successive victory and stretched Birmingham City's unbeaten run to four games.
Veteran striker Deeney reacted sharply in the box to fire home the equaliser and cancel out Oli McBurnie's fine finish.
McBurnie had turned smartly and found the top corner for his fifth goal in six games to reward their second-half dominance and seemingly set them on their way to a fifth home win in five this term.
But Birmingham's endeavour and spirit was rewarded by Deeney's strike from Tahith Chong's cross, meaning the Blades are now just one point clear of Norwich City, who won at Blackpool.
The Blades had the better of an uneventful first half, with Manchester City loanee Tommy Doyle almost breaking the deadlock and Sander Berge twice shooting wide, but the excitement was limited.
McBurnie had the only attempt on target in the first 45 minutes but his header from a corner was comfortably held by Blues keeper John Ruddy.
The visitors, now unbeaten in five against the Blades, rarely threatened, meaning wayward efforts from Krystian Bielik and Juninho Bacuna were as good as it got.
Sheffield United upped the tempo on the restart, with substitutes Jayden Bogle and Rhian Brewster both impressing and helping create numerous opportunities, notably when Iliman Ndiaye wasted a glorious chance
McBurnie's strike finally rewarded the pressure and looked like setting the Blades on their way to a fifth consecutive home league win for the first time since the 2005-06 season under Neil Warnock.
Deeney's first goal in 17 games, in a run dating back to last December, earned Blues a fourth draw in 11 league games to moved them up to 15th in the table.
But further Blades chances went begging as Brewster had an attempt blocked and Billy Sharp could not make the most of a late opening when played through by Berge.
Who's next?
The Blades are at home again on Tuesday night against fifth-placed QPR, while the next game for Blues, now unbeaten in four, is at Middlesbrough the following evening.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom:
"The players deserve praise because we've had only one training session.
"There was fatigue and a lack of preparation, but the players were fantastic and they took everything on board. We were confident with how the game would go.
"We know where we went wrong and the lads are upset but I cannot criticise them. It is a reflection of where we are that people are disappointed."
"When you're on a 10-game unbeaten run you can't ask for anymore. Evidence suggests that we have been performing well for about 10 months."
Birmingham boss John Eustace:
"I'm very proud. The group was excellent and we moved the ball around against a top team.
"To get a point with a performance like that is very pleasing.
"That's the Deeney I played with at Watford. I'm so proud of him, because he has had chances in other games and not taken them.
"If we can keep him fit then he is exactly what we need."