Birmingham City pile more misery on Bolton Wanderers to move second

Birmingham City are up to second in the Championship following a 1-0 win at bottom club Bolton Wanderers, which came courtesy of a first-half goal from Paul Robinson.

The visitors almost found themselves behind in the 11th minute when Tomasz Kuszczak was forced into a save at his near post by Wellington Silva.

Birmingham took the lead in the 20th minute following a free kick. Demarai Gray floated a cross into the area and Robinson was on hand to nod his side in front.

The Blues were dominant for most of the first half, but were almost pegged back against the run of play 10 minutes from the break when Liam Feeney struck one on the volley, forcing another save out of Kuszczak.

Bolton thought they had won a penalty minutes before the break, but the referee ruled that Silva had dived in the area and booked him for the offence.

Gary Rowett's side rode their luck early in the second period, needing line clearances from first Gary Madine, then Darren Pratley, to preserve their slender advantage.

Birmingham almost doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Andrew Shinnie raced clean through on goal, but Ben Amos was quick off his line to produce a block.

Robinson's first-half header proved enough for the Blues in the end, who held on to make it four wins in a row.