Andrew Shinnie strike downs Blackpool

Andrew Shinnie's first-half strike proved enough for Birmingham City to register only their second win in 10 games against Championship bottom club Blackpool this evening.

The Scot nearly gave the Blues an early lead when he latched on to Demarai Gray's pass, but his effort was wayward.

Indeed, Birmingham had several first-half chances to score, but debutant Robert Tesche and David Cotterill were unable to find the target.

However, Tesche atoned for his miss by sliding a through-ball for Shinnie, who steered the ball past Elliot Parish.

Blackpool had chances to equalise midway through the second half, but both Gary Madine and Tom Barkhuizen were denied by Darren Randolph as the home side tried to see the game out.

Wes Thomas almost doubled Birmingham's advantage in the dying minutes, but despite Parish's save, City held on for their second successive victory.