Half-Time Report: Bournemouth in control against Birmingham City

Bournemouth are in complete control of their Championship clash with Birmingham City as they told a three-goal advantage at the break.

The home side started the game well and could have taken the lead early on when Jordan Ibe's corner was prodded at goal by Callum Reilly, but his effort went just wide of the post.

However, it was the visitors who went ahead after 13 minutes. Lewis Grabban raided forward and lifted a cross to the back post, where Matt Ritchie was to fire the ball into the net.

Bournemouth doubled their lead when Marc Pugh lifted a cross into the area and the home side failed to clear their lines, and Grabban was there to turn in the loose ball.

It got better for Eddie Howe's men when Grabban was brought down by Darren Randolph in the area and they were awarded a penalty.

The striker took the spot kick himself and notched his second of the game by firing past Randolph.