Birmingham City 1-0 Cardiff City

Birmingham, under the new management of Steve Cotterill, moved out of the relegation zone with an impressive 1-0 Championship home win over league leaders Cardiff.

An obviously fired-up Birmingham clinched a much-needed victory as a result of a fine Individual first-half goal from the highly-rated Che Adams to give them optimism for the future.

In his first game in charge, Cotterill was obviously delighted with the success and spirit shown by his team, while opposite number Neil Warnock was far from pleased with the outcome.

Birmingham's success was warmly received as it was also something of a milestone as they had only won one of their previous 11 league games against Cardiff.

In the past Cardiff have not found St. Andrew's a happy hunting ground and this game was not an exception as they slipped to only their second defeat of the season.

Following their humiliating 6-1 hammering in their previous game at Hull there was an obvious impression that Birmingham were keen to make amends.

The return of the enthusiastic Adams to link up with the tenacious Isaac Vassell gave them fresh impetus to improve their miserable record of only two wins in 11 games.

High-flying Cardiff were apparently fully aware of the potential threat and were generally in control and able to snuff out any potential early danger.

In the 14th minute, however, they were powerless to keep out a persistent Adams. He gained possession way out on the left from goalkeeper Neil Etheridge's clearance and showing great determination went on a solo run fully focused on making his way towards the Cardiff goal.

The Cardiff defence retreated as Adams created space for himself to fire home a low, raking shot to the left of Etheridge.

It was a terrific boost for Birmingham under their new management team and the goal was certainly a big lift in their present circumstances.

Cardiff resolutely attempted to play themselves back into contention with Joe Ralls setting up several good moves.

But Birmingham had their tails up and resolutely fought for everything. The Welsh club's best chance of an equaliser came when Junior Hoilett cut in from the right only to fire wide.

Birmingham took their newly-acquired attacking policy into the second half but were forced to hang on as Cardiff battered the home side in their unsuccessful bid to grab an equaliser.

ends