Half-Time Report: Troy Deeney gives Watford lead at Birmingham City

Birmingham City trail Watford 1-0 at half time in their opening game of the new Championship season at St Andrew's.

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The hosts made a bright start to the game, putting Watford under early pressure with their pressing and high energy.

However, Troy Deeney's goal after 11 minutes silenced the home crowd as he gave Gianfranco Zola's side the lead after a clever one-two with Fernando Forestieri.

Birmingham responded well to going behind, but were unable to find the breakthrough to level the scores, with Matt Green and Andrew Shinnie going close.

The visitors were able to hold out before enjoying some pressure of their own ahead of the half-time whistle, with Birmingham goalkeeper Darren Randolph stopping a Lewis McGugan free kick.