West Bromwich Albion's promotion push was checked by lowly Rotherham United in a controversial 1-1 draw in the English first division on Sunday. The point enabled West Brom to leapfrog Wolverhampton Wanderers into the second automatic promotion place, but Gary Megson's side was left cursing referee Mike Pike after seeing a late 'goal' disallowed.
With nine minutes remaining, Jordao connected with an overhead kick from close range and the ball appeared to cross the line before Rotherham cleared - and the referee waved play on. "The ball was clearly over the line, it wasn't even close," manager Megson told ITV. "It's cost us two points."
Striker Bob Taylor had given the home side the lead with a low, 20-metre shot after 33 minutes, before Darren Byfield, signed recently from Walsall, equalised five minutes after halftime.
Birmingham returned to the Division One play-off zone but paid the price for a poor performance as Courtney Pitt's late strike earned Portsmouth a 1-1 draw at St Andrews. Harry Redknapp's struggling side, who dominated for long periods, had earlier seen Gary O'Neil hit the woodwork before midfielder Pitt volleyed past goalkeeper Nico Vaesen with seven minutes remaining.
Birmingham, now unbeaten in seven games, were far from convincing after taking an early lead through Stern John but the result was enough to move them into sixth position on goal difference.
Elsewhere, Crewe remain deep in relegation trouble after being held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace in a Nationwide Division One game they dominated.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
