Middlesbrough were forced to play with 10 men for the entirety of the second half as they came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, which takes them to the top of the Championship.

Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford scores the equaliser during the Sky Bet Championship match against Birmingham City on February 18, 2015 © Getty Images

Aitor Karanka's side made a bright start to the match, with Adam Forshaw creating the first chance when he picked out Emilio Nsue, whose deflected effort drifted just past the post.

Birmingham improved as the first half progressed, and Dimi Konstantopoulos was twice forced into good saves to deny Andrew Shinnie and David Davis.

However, the hosts were handed a crucial advantage in a tight match before the break when Konstantopoulos received a red card for bringing down Clayton Donaldson after Ben Gibson's poor pass back to the goalkeeper.

Karanka sent on Tomas Mejias to face the penalty, but Paul Caddis kept his composure in first-half stoppage time to fire his side ahead.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos reacts as referee David Coote brandishes the red card for a foul on Clayton Donaldson in a game against Birmingham on February 18, 2015 © Getty Images

Middlesbrough could have equalised with the first chance of the second half as Gibson climbed highest to head wide from Grant Leadbitter's corner.

Birmingham defender Jonathan Grounds came close to dealing another blow to his former side with a firm header which forced Mejias into a smart save.

The visitors remained positive with a man fewer than their rivals, and only an offside flag stopped an equaliser when Albert Adomah slotted home after straying beyond the last defender.

Birmingham forward Demarai Gray (l) is challenged by Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson during the Sky Bet Championship match on February 18, 2015 © Getty Images

Patrick Bamford found the goal the travelling supporters were desperate to see as the Chelsea loanee exchanged passes with Leadbitter before holding his nerve to fire home.

Middlesbrough refused to settle for the point, and despite spells on top for both sides late on, there would be no late twist at St Andrew's.