Blues Reserves played out an entertaining but hard fought 1-1 draw against their Fulham counterparts at Solihull Moors this evening.

Blues' second string looked to be heading for their first Barclays Premier Reserve League win of the season after Gary McSheffrey gave his side the lead on 69 minutes with a penalty conversion.

But the Cottagers levelled the scores with just over ten minutes of the game remaining courtesy of an Eddie Johnson strike.

Terry Westley's side began the game with no less than seven players with first team experience on show.

Less than three minutes in, Blues were given a scare after Kevin Phillips was left in a crumbled heap on the floor following a poor challenge from behind.

Fortunately after several minutes of treatment the striker was able to resume his place in the game.

The opening period saw both teams largely cancel each out in the midfield area.

It took until the 15th minute for the first shot of any note, which fell to Blues.

Gary McSheffrey launched a pin point ball over the top of the visitors' for Phillips, who hit a low first time shot, but former Albion keeper Pascal Zuberbuhler saved easily low down.

Fulham immediately broke up the other end of the pitch and should have snatched the lead, but Alex Smith was only able to head over from close range with the goal at his mercy.

Blues were looking to get the ball forward on a regular basis but were sometimes guilty of over elaborate play or lacking quality with the final ball.

Then a great bit of play just before the break almost saw Westley's side break the deadlock.

McSheffrey hit a precise ball into the feet of Chucho, who turned and sent through a defence splitting pass to Phillips.

With just the keeper to beat, the normally clinical frontman fired straight at the opposition stopper.

The next opportunity also fell to Blues when defender Scott Dann headed just over the Fulham goal following a corner.

Right on the stroke of half time Fulham went on a rare offensive when Eddie Johnson lost his marker for once, but he was only able to drag his shot wide.

Half time: Blues Reserves 0 Fulham Reserves 0

Terry Westley made two substitutions at the break with Dan Preston replacing Luke Rowe at right back and Brice Ntambwe coming on for Lee Carsley in the centre of midfield.

Blues began the second half brightly and their first chance came on the 50 minute mark when substitute Preston headed over from a corner.

Fulham made their first change of the evening with Keanu Marsh Brown replacing Alex Smith on 55 minutes.

Then Blues made their third and final substitution on 66 as Scott Dann came off, to be replaced by teenager Will Packwood.

Blues' positive play was finally rewarded on 69 minutes after they were awarded a penalty when McSheffrey was tripped as he cut into the area.

The winger calmly stepped up and fired the ball into the back of the net, at the same time sending the keeper the wrong way.

Somewhat against the run of play Fulham pulled the scores level through Eddie Johnson 77 minutes.

Slack defending allowed the visitors to play the ball across the front of the Blues box for the unmarked Johnson to fire home a low snap shot past a despairing Colin Doyle.

With five minutes remaining Chucho showed a superb bit of skill as he went close to regaining Blues' advantage.

He took the ball from the edge of the box, cut inside as he beat three players and let fly with a powerful effort which flew inches over the bar.

Both sides continued to press until the final whistle but were forced to settle for a point each.

Full time: Blues Reserves 1 Fulham Reserves 1

Blues: Colin Doyle, David Joyce, Luke Rowe (Dan Preston 45), Giovanny Espinoza, Scott Dann (Will Packwood 66), Lee Carsley (Brice Ntambwe 45), James O'Shea, Gary McSheffrey, Kevin Phillips, Ashley Sammons, Chucho.
Subs not used: Jake Jervis, Jack Butland.

Fulham: Pascal Zuberbuhler, Fredrik Stoor, Joe Anderson, Matthew Briggs, Adam Watts, Matthew Saunders, Seol Ki-Hyeon, Kagisho Dikgacoi, David Elm, Eddie Johnson, Alex Smith (Keanu Marsh Brown 55).
Subs from: Marcus Bettinelli, Luca Moscatielllo, Michael Uwezu, Danny Hoesen.