Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest have reached half time on level terms in their Championship clash, which could have an impact on both sides' promotion hopes.

The Blues tried to make a bright start at St Andrew's as Maikel Kieftenbeld took aim at the Forest goal, but was quickly closed down by the visitors' defence.

Instead, City almost fell behind moments later after Henri Lansbury's cross was met by the head of Matt Mills but his effort was saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.

Lansbury wasted another Forest chance from a free kick on the edge of the Birmingham area, which flew well over the bar.

The Reds looked to be the likelier to score just after the half-hour mark as first Chris Burke sent his shot wide before both Jamie Ward and Ben Osborn had their attempts blocked by the City defence.

However, on the stroke of half time, Birmingham perhaps ought to have taken the lead after David Cotterill delivered a menacing ball into the box, but Jon-Miquel Toral fired over from six yards out.