Birmingham City lead at half time in their Championship clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Derby County after Stephen Gleeson broke the deadlock moments before the interval at St Andrew's.

The Blues almost took the lead inside five minutes when Clayton Donaldson chested the ball into the path of Demarai Gray and the youngster was able to shoot on the turn, but saw his effort comfortably collected by Scott Carson.

© Getty Images

City threatened again on nine minutes when a tantalising cross from Glesson was met by Donaldson who, after getting between two Derby defenders, headed the ball straight at Carson.

Moments later, it was the Rams pushing for an opener as Tom Ince tried to fashion a clear shooting opportunity only to delay his strike too long before Darren Bent fired an effort wide of Tomasz Kuszczak's goal.

Midway through the opening period, County's pressure almost resulted in a breakthrough as Ince unleashed a curling shot which rattled the post, but Bent was unable to convert the rebound.

Gray tested Carson once more on 30 minutes, with a fizzing strike from the edge of the area that the former England stopper could only parry away from danger.

However, it was Gleeson who gave City the lead with a shot from distance that took a deflection off Chris Baird before beating Carson.