Championship Review: Dream start for Cotterill as Birmingham beat leaders Cardiff

Steve Cotterill tasted success in his first match as Birmingham City boss as the Championship strugglers stunned leaders Cardiff City with a 1-0 victory at St Andrew’s.

Birmingham had lost 6-1 at Hull City prior to the international break, but looked like a different side on Friday.

Che Adams’ excellent individual goal after 19 minutes, his first league strike of the season, proved decisive to give Cotterill, who officially took charge last week, an impressive start that moves the Blues out of the bottom three.

Leaders Cardiff failed to produce a shot on target, meaning Wolves can go top of the table with at least a draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, with Sheffield United also in striking distance.

“I’m really pleased,” said Cotterill. “I just thanked the lads and all the staff for their efforts over the last two weeks. They have been first class.”

Elsewhere in the Championship, Bristol City missed the chance to go second in the table as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Burton Albion, who move out of the bottom three after a battling defensive effort.

Here’s what else there is to come in the @SkyBetChamp this weekend… pic.twitter.com/0j0Cfnyfrx

— EFL (@EFL) October 13, 2017