It wasn’t the most eye-catching of displays from the Seasiders, but at least Michael Appleton’s side stopped the rot after suffering four straight defeats before the break.
Here’s how Pool’s players rated:
1. Stalemate
Luke Garbutt impressed on only his second start of the season Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
2. MAN OF THE MATCH: Chris Maxwell - 8/10
Quick off his line to make two or three really important saves, one coming in stoppage-time. Distributed well too. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
3. Callum Connolly - 7/10
Did well. Restricted Birmingham’s forward line in the main and swung in some good crosses going forwards. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
4. Rhys Williams - 7/10
Chong got the wrong side of him on one occasion but other than that he did very little wrong. Won his headers too. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
5. James Husband - 7/10
Slotted into his role at centre-back seamlessly, as he always does. Fully committed in his battle with Troy Deeney. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
6. Luke Garbutt - 7/10
His best performance in tangerine for a long time on only his second start of the season. Solid defensively and supported well down the left. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth