August Priske scored his first league goal of the season as Birmingham City came from behind to draw 1-1 with Southampton in an action-packed Sky Bet Championship match.
The Danish striker headed home in the 55th minute to cancel out Keven Schlotterbeck’s powerful effort, scored in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.
Birmingham had the greater share of a high number of chances and will feel they could have taken all three points, with Jay Stansfield twice missing excellent opportunities, including one effort that struck the post.
Both sides threatened during a lively opening. Southampton forward Cyle Larin was played through by Finn Azaz but could only drive a tame effort straight at Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle.
At the other end, Daniel Peretz was forced into a low, falling save to keep out Priske’s shot.
Southampton continued to create openings when Beadle’s attempted clearance was charged down by Azaz, although the ball rolled narrowly wide of the goal.
Birmingham then came close twice in quick succession. Stansfield raced approximately 40 yards after Schlotterbeck’s mis-hit backpass before striking the inside of the post. The £10m striker was presented with another chance after Alex Cochrane’s cross found him unmarked, but he headed just wide.
Jhon Solis advanced into a promising position before shooting narrowly wide from 20 yards, while Larin fired over after Azaz split the home defence with a pass.
Cochrane’s deep free-kick later offered Tomoki Iwata an opportunity at the far post, but he sliced his unchallenged effort wide. Priske also sent a twisting header just off target from Patrick Roberts’ cross as Birmingham continued to press.
Southampton made Birmingham pay for those missed chances just before the interval. Leo Scienza delivered a corner into the penalty area and centre-back Schlotterbeck rose to head powerfully past Beadle for his first goal since January 2025.
Birmingham thought they had equalised four minutes after the restart when Roberts worked his way into the area, but Peretz smothered his shot.
The equaliser arrived soon afterwards. Roberts sent a cross into the box and Priske guided a header beyond Peretz to bring Birmingham level.
Southampton almost restored their advantage through a double chance involving substitute James Ward-Prowse and Larin. Ward-Prowse’s deflected effort was pushed upwards by Beadle, but Larin could only loop the rebound wide.
Birmingham had another let-off when Kuryu Matsuki’s volley was ruled out for offside. Priske then fired over the crossbar as the home side continued to search for a winner.
Beadle kept out a 25-yard free-kick from Ward-Prowse, with James Bree sending the rebound into the sidenetting.
Birmingham remained the more dangerous side late on. Neil Eardley? Wait source says Phil Neumann headed straight at Peretz from Demarai Gray’s free kick. Do not introduce wrong. Phil Neumann headed at Peretz. Correct.
Phil Neumann headed directly at Peretz from Demarai Gray’s free-kick as Birmingham pushed for a winning goal, but neither side could find a decisive second.
Birmingham manager Chris Davies:
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Southampton manager Tonda Eckert:
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