BIRMINGHAM City boss Gianfranco Zola felt his side let Blackburn Rovers “off the hook” in the 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.

The visitors took the lead in just the third minute when Lukas Jutkiewicz converted a penalty given away by Rovers goalkeeper Jason Steele.

They had further chances to extend their lead, only for Rovers to level the game in first-half injury time through Danny Graham’s 11th goal of the season.

Both sides had chances to win the game after the break as Zola’s wait for a first win in charge goes on.

But the Italian felt his side were behind their own downfall as they let Rovers back in to the game.

He said: "I’m disappointed as we caused our own problems. We went one up, took control and then we stopped and started making silly mistakes with our passing.

“We allowed them to come back and we felt there confidence by making those silly mistakes. So that disappoints me.

“The second-half was open and they had one chance, a good one, and we had two great chances.

“We should have scored and the second one was a great save from the goalkeeper.

“But the disappointing thing for me was that we let them off the hook.

“We’re going to get there and I’m sure because the team has the desire and determination."

Birmingham have now drawn four and lost four of Zola’s eight games in charge since replacing Gary Rowett last month.

While disappointed to see the wait goes on, he doesn’t feel it will be long before they chalk up a victory.

He added: "We’ve had good performances in general. We’ve had games where the quality of football hasn’t been as good as the last.

"But again, we haven’t been able to convert from the good play we’re producing.

"We had a good chance and we started very well. I think we’re getting there, but the thing is I will have to wait another week and that disappoints me.

"The determination of the players, coaches and everybody will help us get bigger and bigger. We’ll produce results."