HULL CITY regained their pride by collecting a vital point in their bid to stay in the Premier League against Birmingham in a scoreless draw that might prove crucial to their survival hopes as Iain Dowie continues in his attempts to keep the Tigers in the top flight.

Birmingham were looking to end a run of six games without a win and they started in confident fashion. A corner from Craig Gardner caused panic in the opposition's penalty area as Scott Dann sent a header back into the danger area.

Then James McFadden cut in from the left but was just too high with a powerful 20-yard drive. The Blues kept pushing for that opening goal with Dann again proving to be a danger at set pieces when he sent a glancing header wide from a Gardner free-kick.

Hull continued to battle for every ball though and had an urgency about their play which led to their first chance on 16 minutes when a George Boateng cross just eluded Kevin Kilbane at the far post. Jimmy Bullard, who helped create that chance, had licence to get forward at every opportunity and the former Fulham midfielder saw a powerful shot blocked by Dann.

Liam Ridgewell then made an important interception in heading away a Kilbane cross with Craig Fagan lurking in space behind him at the far post.

Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey, who will be hoping for a call-up to Giovanni Trapattoni's summer training camp, had a shot deflected wide before Lee Bowyer squandered a great chance when he sent his header over the bar from six yards out.

Bowyer then forced Hull keeper Matt Duke into a good save after his fierce drive. But the match ended with Bullard, Tom Cairney and Fagan all trying their luck.