Billy Davies again tried a number of substitutions to try and force the all-important goal from his side but saw Darius Henderson sent off just seven minutes after entering the field of play and will probably have settled for a point after that incident.
Nearly 23,500 responded to a cut-price ticket offer and the presence of a large Reds contingent meant a healthy atmosphere in the final match before Christmas.
Reaction: Both managers hailed a 'good point' after the game, Billy Davies confirming that his number one intention for January is to add 'more firepower' to his squad.
Blues boss Lee Clark said: "It was always going to be tough but I thought my players gave everything. They were committed and never gave in."