Birmingham City fall to Benfica B defeat

Joao Carvalho's first-half stunner has earned Benfica B a 1-0 victory over Birmingham City at St George's Park.

The Championship side, who included traillist Devante Cole in their starting lineup, made a positive start to things as Koby Arthur fired away an early shot on goal.

It was the Portuguese outfit who took the lead, however, when Carvalho rifled a 20-yard shot into the top corner of the net.

Arthur again came close to finding a way through for City, only to once again be denied by Benfica's keeper, while a fine defensive header from Paul Robinson denied the Eagles from doubling their lead.

David Cotterill, reportedly at the centre of transfer talk over his future, then whistled a free kick over the bar as the Blues looked to up the ante following the restart.

Birmingham had a late chance to bring themselves on level terms, but Robinson headed wide from a corner to ensure that Benfica B claimed the win.

Gary Rowett's men, who have now suffered successive defeats during pre-season, return to action on Saturday when they take on Leicester City.