BIRMINGHAM  0        QPR  0

At St Andrews

23rd December 1999

Att: 24,311

The Blues were unable to penetrate the Rangers defence despite enjoying the majority of possession and territorial advantage, and are now four points behind second-placed Bolton.

With veteran Ludek Miklosko celebrating two years at the club with a fine display that belied his 39 years, it was Rangers who actually came closest to winning the game.

That was on the hour when new striker Michel Ngonge, a handful all afternoon for the Birmingham defence and referee Alan Kaye alike, headed a corner goalwards from four yards only to see Jerry Gill clear from the line.

It was Miklosko who really earned Gerry Francis his point - a good result but it leaves the R's the only side in the division without an away win this term.

The Czech saved from Dele Adebola after 11 minutes, following good work from Bryan Hughes, and pulled off a remarkable save 20 minutes later.

Andrew Johnson - starting in the absence of would-be multi-millionaire Mark Burchill who is back at Celtic after his transfer broke down - turned neatly after receiving Adebola's pass. His shot was deflected but Miklosko saved even though he went the wrong way.

Once again, Clarke Carlisle was impressive in the Rangers defence, this time against the in-form Adebola, and Blues boss Trevor Francis must be wishing that Santa could bring him Burchill back.

Stan Lazaridis was frustrating for the home side, his crosses always close but not close enough to their intended targets.

Miklosko's reactions spared Steve Morrow's blushes when the former Gunner sliced a cross goalwards in the second half. Then, young speedster Johnson fired over from close range after 75 minutes.

With four minutes left Adebola's header from 15 yards brought another good save from Miklosko, and the visitors nearly stopped themselves returning to the foot of the table when Peter Crouch headed over late on.