Fulham slipped a place closer to the relegation zone as they were forced to settle for a point at Birmingham City.

The Whites took the lead through Rohan Ince at St Andrew’s and looked commanding in the first 45 minutes.

However, Michael Morrison’s second-half equaliser levelled things up in the Midlands and Birmingham came close to winning it as they were only denied by the woodwork.

Rotherham’s victory over Ipswich Town moved them out of the danger zone but Fulham’s saving grace was MK Dons slipping into the relegation places.

There was interesting team selections, long-awaited returns, heroic goalkeeping and much more drama at St Andrew's on another nail-biting day for Fulham fans.

Here's a look at five things we learned from Fulham's 1-1 draw with Gary Rowett's men.

Fulham are still in deep trouble

Scrap: David Davis is tackled by Dan Burn

Given the huge gulf in league position between these two Championship sides before kick-off, a 1-1 draw doesn’t sound like a bad result for Fulham.

And it’s true, it could have been worse as this could be the point that makes the difference between relegation and survival.

However, the Whites looked in total control during the first half and took their eye off the ball in the second period and dropped two points.

Six games without a win and now a place closer to the drop zone, with Rotherham United climbing out of the bottom three and looking increasingly likely to survive.

Bettinelli back between the sticks

Back in action: Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli returned between the sticks at Birmingham.

The 21-year-old was rocked by knee ligament damage last year and had not played since August before re-taking possession of the gloves from Andy Lonergan.

Bettinelli was Fulham’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2014-15 and was a standout performer as he attracted attention from the likes of Chelsea.

Whites fans were glad to see him back in action at the Midlands after he was deemed ready for the first-team once more having appeared in a couple of U21s fixtures.

He made a crucial stop from point-blank range on the stroke of half-time to keep Fulham’s 1-0 lead intact at the break.

Jokanovic springs a few surprises

Plan: Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham fans were baffled on social media when the team sheets were handed in.

Slavisa Jokanovic named four recognised centre-backs and four central midfielders to play behind regular strike partners Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele up top.

There was even more changes to be made though as Fernando Amorebieta was forced to withdraw from the starting XI after suffering an injury in the warm-up.

Dan Burn was drafted in at the last minute and his place on the bench was filled by Shaun Hutchinson. Ryan Tunnicliffe didn’t even make the squad of 18.

American dream - or is that nightmare?

Flying the flag: Tim Ream

There were three players flying the flag for the United States in the Midlands.

Emerson Hyndman and Tim Ream were representing the stars and stripes in the Whites ranks while former Manchester United defender Jonathan Spector played for City.

Hyndman’s inclusion was somewhat surprising given Jokanovic’s recent admission that he was protecting the teenage Texan for the club’s relegation battle.

Desperate times call for desperate measures and he made his first start since January as the Whites looked for inspiration.

He lasted 75 minutes before being replaced by Ryan Fredericks.

The real test is next

Next up: Milton Keynes Dons manager Karl Robinson

Fulham’s next Championship fixture?

That would be MK Dons at home on April 2 in what will be arguably the most important game played at Craven Cottage this season.

People use the phrase six-pointer far too often but if ever there was one then this really is it!

Milton Keynes were beaten by title contenders Brighton to see them drop into the bottom three but they are still showing signs of life.

Fulham will be hoping that home advantage makes the difference.