Brighton & Hove Albion are level with Birmingham City at half time, but will consider themselves unlucky not to be ahead before the interval.
Kazenga LuaLua came close to putting the Seagulls ahead on 38 minutes when he forced a save from Darren Randolph, with the visitors keeper equal to the forward's second effort as well, tipping it away from danger.
Earlier in an otherwise quiet first half, Randolph had to be alert as Stephen Ward's effort fizzed past his goal.
Birmingham, who can climb into the top half of the Championship with a win, are unbeaten on their four visits to the Sussex club.