Blackpool hold leaders Birmingham to draw on Steve Bruce’s St Andrew’s return

Steve Bruce’s latest return to St Andrew’s ended in stalemate as Sky Bet League One leaders Birmingham were held to a 0-0 draw against Blackpool.

The result ended City’s eight-match winning streak in all competitions but worse was the injury to their left-back Lee Buchanan.

Blackpool – managed by ex-City boss Bruce – were denied a third-minute lead.

Kyle Joseph’s clean-through shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ryan Allsop.

Buchanan, who made a block, looked like he suffered a serious knee injury, and there was a six-minute delay before he was taken off on a stretcher.

Birmingham’s only chance of the first hour was a low drive from Emil Hansson that Harry Tyrer palmed away.

Blues had another let off when Tyrer’s kick gave Ashley Fletcher a one against one, but his lob was deflected over.

The Tangerines almost scored in the 57th minute when Joseph fired against the inside of a post from a tight angle.

Birmingham substitute Jay Stansfield’s deflected shot was hacked off the line by Odeluga Offiah near the end.