Keven Schlotterbeck's stoppage-time header earned Southampton a 1-1 Championship draw away to Birmingham City on Tuesday night.
August Priske had put the hosts ahead with a 55th-minute header at St. Andrew's. Schlotterbeck responded deep into first-half added time, nodding home to level the score. It was the defender's first goal since January 2025. Both managers praised the contest, with Birmingham's Chris Davies telling reporters it was "a very good game" and Eckert calling it "a good advertisement for the Championship".
Southampton showed resilience after falling behind. They had already equalised through Schlotterbeck's effort in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. The German defender rose highest to connect with a delivery, beating James Beadle in the Birmingham goal.
Before that, the Saints had created chances. Cyle Larin was put through by Finn Azaz but saw his low drive saved by Beadle. James Ward-Prowse tested the keeper with a 25-yard free kick later in the match. Southampton's best opportunity to win the game came when Ward-Prowse's deflected shot was parried by Beadle, and Larin looped the rebound wide from close range.
Birmingham will rue missed opportunities to secure all three points. Striker Jay Stansfield was particularly unfortunate, hitting the post with one effort and failing to convert another clear opening. The home side had started brightly, with manager Chris Davies praising his team's "electric start".
New signing Liam Millar, who joined on a season-long loan from Hull City on deadline day, was involved in the build-up. Phil Neumann also headed straight at Southampton goalkeeper Peretz from a Demarai Gray free kick. Priske's goal, a powerful header, was his first league strike of the season.
The single point means Southampton remain in the bottom half of the Championship. They have taken three points from a possible twelve, with a record of two wins, one draw, and one loss. Their goal difference stands at plus five, having scored ten and conceded five so far this campaign.
They now sit seven points behind early leaders Swansea City. The focus quickly shifts to the next fixture, an away trip to face Lincoln City on Saturday, September 5th. Lincoln are currently 16th, one place above Southampton. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
Southampton's results have been inconsistent at the start of the 2026-27 season. Their sequence reads draw, win, win, loss. The team will be looking to build momentum with a positive result against Lincoln.
The squad, showed character to fight back at St. Andrew's. Schlotterbeck's late first-half intervention was the key moment that prevented a defeat. Kuryu Matsuki thought he had scored with a volley in the second period, but it was correctly ruled out for offside. Southampton's next match is at Sincil Bank in three days' time.
