Nahki Wells and his Bristol City teammates fell to a 3 - 0 defeat at St Andrew's after goals from Riley McGree, Scott Hogan and Gary Gardner gave Birmingham City victory.
It was a game of little quality in the opening 10 minutes, with both teams struggling to make an impact on the game and very little goalmouth action.
However, in the 14th minute City found themselves a goal down and in unfortunate circumstances. Troy Deeney teed up Riley McGree, whose shot from range took a wicked deflection off Tomas Kalas and trickled past Daniel Bentley into the back of the net.
Bristol City was trying to make things happen with a variety of nearly moments, Chris Martin almost got on the end of a low George Tanner cross, but the ball was intercepted. The hosts' defense stood strong and dealt with the challenges that were thrown at them in the first half and headed into the break a goal to the good.
Despite the scoreline, City was dominant in possession and dictated play, but the aerial prowess from Birmingham City caused problems throughout the first half.
Matty James limped off in the 52nd minute to be replaced by Han-Noah Massengo on the right-hand side. George Tanner then went closest for the visitors with a sweetly struck half-volley from just inside the Birmingham box, however, it failed to test Matija Sarkic in the Birmingham net.
After a probing start to the half from Bristol City, it would be Birmingham City who struck first and doubled their lead. Sarkic sent the ball long towards Deeney who won the flick on and Scott Hogan coolly finished past Bentley.
The hosts then scored a third as Jordan Graham, who looked threatening all evening, put a cross into the box which was met by Gary Gardner who guided his header past Bentley to seal victory for Lee Bowyer’s side.
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