Birmingham move out of drop zone

Birmingham’s Jean Beausejour scores the opening goal, his third in four games [GALLO/GETTY]

Birmingham edged out of the English Premier League relegation zone on Wednesday after securing a vital point in a 1-1 draw with mid-table Everton at Goodison Park.

Alex McLeish’s side climbed above West Ham on goal difference into 17th spot as they battle to beat the drop.

The Blues had got off to a dream start when Chilean winger Jean Beausejour fired them into the lead on 17 minutes with a powerful header for his second goal in as many games.

However Dutch midfielder John Heitinga struck for Everton just before half-time, lashing in a firm shot that flew past Birmingham keeper Ben Foster after the Blues failed to deal with a corner.

Birmingham barely created anything thereafter and despite enjoying a wealth of possession Everton were unable to make their dominance count.

Everton striker Louis Saha was denied by a diving block from Blues midfielder Jordon Mutch while Jermaine Beckford also tested Foster with a close-range shot that was well saved by the Birmingham keeper.