A mistake by Tomasz Kuszczak in the second minute of added time meant Albion had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

The Seagulls came from behind to lead 2-1 but with the clock running down Kuszczak fumbled substitute Nikola Zigic’s tame header over the line, The home side went in front in the 18th minute when skipper Steven Caldwell slipped his marker to head home Robert Hall’ corner from the right.

Within six minutes Albion were level with a move started and finished by Ashley Barnes for his second goal in as many matches. Barnes collected a return pass from Andrea Orlandi before drilling home from 20 yards.

This signalled a good spell for the visitors although they were grateful for a fine one-handed save from Kuszczak to deny Chris Burke’s goalbound strike on 40 minutes.

Three minutes later Albion took the lead when David met Wayne Bridge’s cross with a fierce volley which was too hot for home keeper Jack Butland as it rippled the net.

Birmingham were booed off at half-time and manager Lee Clark responded by introducing the 6ft 7in Zigic at the expense of wide midfielder Wade Elliott.

Zigic provided more of a presence but Albion twice went close to extending their lead through Orlandi, firstly a deflected shot over the bar and then an on-target free-kick which Butland punched away for a corner.

Vicente was introduced for his first appearance for Albion since August with seven minutes remaining.

Zigic looked set to equalise with five minutes remaining but Gordon Greer made a superb block to deny him.

The goal did come in the 92nd minute when Zigic’s header was fumbled over the line by Kuszczak.

Albion: Kuszczak; Calderon, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge; Bridcutt, Hammond, Orlandi (sub Dicker 76); David (sub Buckley 70), Mackail-Smith (sub Vicente 83), Barnes. Subs not used: Hoskins, LuaLua, Dunk, Ankergren.

Birmingham: Butland; Caddis, Davies, Caldwell, Robinson; Burke, Gomis, Reilly (sub Morrison 83), Elliott (sub Zigic 46); Redmond (sub King 70), Hall. Subs not used: Hancox, Mullins, Lovenkrands, Doyle.

Referee: Phil Dowd.