Wolverhampton Wanderers have boosted their Premier League promotion charge with a 1-0 victory over 10-men Birmingham City at St Andrew's.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side claimed their sixth consecutive victory in the Championship on Monday night, with Leo Bonatini scoring the only goal.
The Blues' gameplan of sitting deep and trying to stifle Wolves went out the window after the first eight minutes, when Bonatini found a way through.
Birmingham's defence were responsible for the goal as Jonathan Grounds's square ball was sent directly to Ivan Cavaleiro on the edge of the box.
David Stockdale managed to keep out attempts from Cavaleiro and Diogo Jota, but Bonatini was more fortunate as goal-line technology confirmed that the ball crossed the line.
The early goal put Wolves on the front foot, and they piled on pressure as Jota dodged past his opponents before setting up Cavaleiro, whose thumping shot was saved by the keeper.
Jota was involved again a few minutes later as he tried his luck from around 20 yards from goal, but the ball flew wide, and at the other end, Birmingham's Jota tried to get his team back in the game with a burst into the box, but Willy Boly made a crucial tackle.
After the break, the hosts failed to sort out their defensive frailties as Stephen Gleeson gave the ball away to Bonatini, who played in Jota, but the Wolves man could not get a shot away.
Wolves continued to probe in a bid to extend their lead, and Jota seemed desperate for a goal as one of his attempts crashed into the side-netting.
In the closing stages of the match, Birmingham saw more of the ball and searched for an equaliser, but they were damaged by Harlee Dean's sending-off in the 83rd minute.
The defender, who was already on a yellow, saw red after pushing Jota down to the floor during a scuffle between the Wolves man and Michael Morrison.
The dismissal ruined the Blues' chances of getting back into the game and the visitors managed to snatch all three points.
Danielle Joynson
