Championship: Hull City 2 Birmingham 1

Hull City have climbed back into the top six of the Championship after a 2-1 home win over Birmingham City on Wednesday.

Hull’s win saw them move into the play-off spots and extended Birmingham’s winless run to four matches in all competitions.

But it was the visitors who claimed the early lead when New Zealand striker Chris Wood, who is on loan from West Bromwich Albion, fired a first-time shot into the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season.

That was enough to give Chris Hughton’s men the lead at half-time, but Hull came out a different side in the second half and quickly levelled proceedings.

Slovenian international Robert Koren volleyed home from 12 yards after impressive build-up work from Cameron Stewart and with 23 minutes to go, Hull took the lead.

Koren was again involved, playing in Aaron McLean with a perfect ball, and the latter – who had got in behind the defence – beat Birmingham goalkeeper Boaz Myhill from the edge of the penalty area with a well-placed finish.

Birmingham nearly replied instantly, with Hull shot-stopper Peter Gulacsi making a terrific save to deny Chris Burke and the visitors almost equalised again, only for substitute Guirane N’Daw to head wide from six yards.

Their efforts were in vain though as Hull won their second match on the trot to move into the upper echelon of the Championship table.