STEVEN Thompson pulled a late goal back but it wasn't enough to prevent Burnley from suffering the most Premier League away defeats in a single season.

Conceding two poor goals before the break told the story of the season, and ultimately cost the Clarets this game.

Already relegated, following last week's 4-0 home defeat to Liverpool, Burnley had pride and £800,000 to play for should they finish higher than Hull in the bottom three.

But defensive mistakes yet again proved their undoing.

Brian Jensen clumsily back-heeled Birmingham's first goal in just before the half-hour, after Cameron Jerome and Tyrone Mears went to meet Seb Larsson's right wing cross.

A lack of marking was to blame for the second after fit-again captain Steven Caldwell conceded a free kick in his first start since December.

James McFadden sent the ball high to the far left post, when Roger Johnson headed it back for an unmarked Christian Benitez to turn in from close range.

Steven Fletcher opened up the second half with a couple of chances, the second of which stung Joe Hart's hands but the on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper collected at the second attempt.

Robbie Blake and Steven Thompson were brought on within four minutes of each other after the hour, and Thompson finished neatly across Hart in the 87th minute to give Burnley hope of a point.

But it was too late to avoid a 17th away loss.