David Davis clinched a deserved point for Birmingham as Aston Villa escaped with a 1-1 derby draw.
The midfielder fired in a second-half equaliser after Gary Gardner had given Villa the lead with his first goal for the club.
Clayton Donaldson missed two golden chances in each half as Birmingham dominated for long spells but let Villa off the hook.
Jacques Maghoma wasted a fine opening and Ryan Shotton spurned a late chance to win it as former Blues boss Steve Bruce took a point on his St Andrew's return.
The 55-year-old, who made 84 appearances for Birmingham and was manager for six years, also handed Gabby Agbonlahor a shock return to the Villa squad after seven months in the cold.