Blues come back from two down to draw at Villa Park

Birmingham City came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa at Villa Park on 22 February, with Stern John scoring a last-minute equaliser.

The result stretches Blues' unbeaten run in the Second City derby to four matches, since the two clubs met again in the Premiership in 2002.

Villa in control

For much of the game, it looked as if Villa would finally get the better of their neighbours. Darius Vassell gave them the lead after 21 minutes, and Thomas Hitzlsperger doubled it two minutes after half-time.

The home crowd were in full voice, and Villa looked comfortable. But Blues refused to give up, and Mikael Forssell pulled one back on the hour.

A dramatic finish

Blues pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and it came in the final minute, when Stern John thrashed the loose ball into the roof of the net. The away end erupted, and Villa's players were left stunned.

It was another example of the fighting spirit that Steve Bruce has built at St Andrew's. Blues are enjoying their best season in the top flight for many years and are eighth in the table.

Forssell on fire

Forssell, on loan from Chelsea for the season, has been one of the stars of the Premiership. The Finnish striker has scored regularly since arriving, and Blues fans are already hoping the club can find a way to keep him for longer.

Along with players such as Robbie Savage, Stephen Clemence and Matthew Upson, he has helped turn Blues into one of the most difficult sides to beat in the league.

Villa's recovery

For Villa, the result is a disappointment but not a disaster. David O'Leary's side were in the bottom three in December, but have climbed the table since, and have been playing some of the best football of the season.

They also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, before losing to Bolton Wanderers over two legs last month. Gavin McCann was sent off in the second leg at Villa Park, but Villa still won 2-0 on the night, only to go out 5-4 on aggregate.

O'Leary will be frustrated that his side could not hold on to a two-goal lead, but encouraged by their performance for most of the game.

A new era of derbies

Since Blues returned to the top flight, the derby has become one of the most keenly awaited fixtures of the season. The first meeting, in September 2002, ended 3-0 to Blues at St Andrew's, and Blues won again at Villa Park the following March.

The first meeting this season, at St Andrew's, ended goalless. This draw means Villa have still not beaten Blues since they returned to the Premiership.

Villa fans will have to wait until next season for another chance to end the run.