Hull City's Play-off Hopes Dented by Birmingham's Late Equalizer

Hull City's bid for a Championship play-off spot suffered a setback as Birmingham City struck back to secure a 1-1 draw at the MKM Stadium. Joe Gelhardt's 14th goal of the season had given the hosts a first-half lead, but Tomoki Iwata's stunning long-range effort 13 minutes from time earned the visitors a point. The result means Hull have now gone four league games without a win, their worst run of the season, and they remain just two points ahead of seventh-placed Wrexham with three games left to play. Gelhardt's 24th-minute strike had given Hull hope of completing a league double over Birmingham, but Iwata's equalizer ensured the Blues ended their four-game losing streak on the road. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic admitted his side had blown a valuable opportunity to cement their grip on sixth place, while Birmingham manager Chris Davies felt his team deserved a point and could have even won the game. The draw leaves Hull with a tough task to secure a play-off spot, with Jakirovic urging his players to be brave and seize the initiative in their remaining games.