Gritty Wolves fighting spirit was once again in evidence as they grabbed a point in an highly entertaining derby draw.

Wolves, being led by the inspirational Steffen Iversen, were unlucky not to take all 3 points as they constantly took the fight to highflying Blues.

Iversen putting in his best performance in a gold shirt could have snatched a late late winner only to hit the ball with all the composure of Henri Camara.

Both teams lined up 4 - 4 - 2 with the midfield battle between Ince and Savage providing the most mouth-watering prospect.

The game kicked off with thousands of fans ignoring the club's mind numbing literature pleading with Wolves fans to sit down. Typical Wolves - asking you to stay sited in our first top flight derby for twenty years (and does it really take 2 sides of paper to say park your arse?).

The game started in typical derby fashion with both teams giving everything. Wolves made the more positive start with Iversen and Camara giving Blues nervy moments in and around the penalty area. Birmingham's normally solid defense looked rattled and Iversen's long-range drive forced Taylor into a superb save. The resulting corner was headed towards goal by Craddock only for Johnson to head off the line.

Birmingham being driven on by the tireless Savage were having lots of possession but creating little upfront.

The momentum was with the home side and again the Iversen was causing problems. The Norwegian broke in to the box but his angled shot was well saved, Camara seemed to be fouled as he tried to reach the rebound.

Birmingham won their first corner on the half hour and on so many occasions this season the corner kick caused problems. Oakes was at full stretch to tip over Dugarry's shot.

Wolves still looked in control and Rae was disappointed to see his shot go wide after good work on the edge of the box.

Blues almost silenced the home crowd on 38 minutes. Forssell met Johnson's by-line cross. As the Finn prepared to strike Craddock slid in with an immaculately timed challenge.

Birmingham almost hit the self-destruct button late in the half. Taylor failed to deal with an awkward back pass and for a heart stopping moment the visitors on loan keeper almost lost the ball to Iversen.

Just on half time Irwin was left grounded by a clumsy challenge by Dugarry. The World Cup winner had already angered the wolves faithful with a number of robust challenges.

A half of lots of action but still no goals.

Half Time Wolves 0 Birmingham 0

Wolves got the second half started in the worse possible way. Forssell latched on to Dugarry's pass, shrugged off a challenge from Craddock before clinically dispatching the ball into the net. Wolves 0 Birmingham 1

The early strike subdued the home crowd and it was now Blues turn to apply the pressure. Forssell again found space in the box but this time the shot flew wide.

Wolves were struggling to create chances and DJ sent on Newton for ineffective Miller on 57 minutes.

Dugarry took a tumble after bursting into the box only for Ref Barber to book him for diving (an overpaid diving French man, well I never!).

Just as Blues were cruising Wolves produced a good counter account. Rae cut through the midfield and Wolves suddenly had a 3 on 3 situation. The Scotch man rolled the ball to Iversen who shot was well blocked by Upson. Rae's corner fell to Butler whose miss hit shot fell to Camara. The wayward striker blasted the ball across goal and Iversson bundled the ball over the line. Wolves 1 Birmingham 1

The goal was no more than the much-maligned striker deserved.

Wolves were now in control and Iversson had a couple of half chances to try and take the lead. Dugarry's early play acting came back to haunt him as Wolves played on as the Blues striker lay genuinely injured.

Ince and Savage almost came to blows when Inc fouled the lively welsh man. Savage tried to react by pushing Ince only for the ex England man to laugh in his face. Experience is a priceless commodity in football. Wolves replaced Irwin with Clyde late on in hope that fresh legs would bring a winner.

Wolves should have got that winner in injury time. Camara was able to cross after a mistake by Upson. Iversen badly miscued his shot so much so that the ball went so wide it never actually went out of play.

With every week that passes Wolves look more and more comfortable in the Premier League. With some better finishing's and a slice of luck here and there survival looks achievable for a team who looked doomed a month or two ago.

Full Time Wolves 1 Birmingham 1