Birmingham grabbed an injury-time equaliser

The race for a top four finish remains wide open after Tottenham were held 1-1 by Birmingham at St Andrews.

The defender volleyed in from close range in the 91st minute when Cameron Jerome's header across the box caused confusion in the Tottenham defence.

The visitors took the lead in the 69th minute when Jermain Defoe latched on to Gareth Bale's strong left-wing cross to drive a right-foot shot past Joe Hart.

Striker Chucho Benitez spurned two good chances for the hosts in either half.

The point ensures Birmingham maintain their impressive home Premier League record - their last defeat at St Andrews came on 26 September - while Spurs see their advantage in fourth place cut to just one point following Liverpool's victory over Bolton.

The result will frustrate Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who has strengthened his defence with the arrival of Younes Kaboul from Portsmouth, while Benitez's wastefulness in front of goal will intensify Birmingham boss Alex McLeish's quest to find a new striker before January's transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Striker Jerome passed a late fitness test, allowing McLeish to name an unchanged starting line-up for the 11th successive match, with new £3m signing Craig Gardner propping up the bench.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish on striker Chucho:
"He carved out a great chance in the first half, maybe he should have put his laces through it and it was a powerpuff shot.

"But he's dangerous and if we can get more balls into him in the box, that's when he is really dangerous and comes alive.

"I thought we lacked a wee bit of quality and looked a little one-paced. But it was a marvellous result from a not very good performance from us, our aggression and will to win got us through it."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"We dominated the game, so I didn't really see the goal coming. It was a poor goal and it was pretty horrendous defending from a team that defended well all day and never were in any danger.

"We were in control of the game, we just had to continue playing the way we were. We had three points in the bag and threw two away.

"But we've only had one defeat in 12 games, so we're not in bad form. I was delighted with he way we played it's not an easy place to come to."