Zigic back on score sheet for upbeat Birmingham

Birmingham City 1 Leeds United

Nikola Zigic's first goal since February's Carling Cup final handed Birmingham a narrow victory over Leeds and extended their winning sequence to six games last night.

The 6ft 8in Serb – troubled by groin and hip injuries since the club's Wembley triumph over Arsenal – fired home after 35 minutes.

Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill had earlier kept Blues on level terms with an impressive save to keep out Adam Clayton's vicious volley before again coming to the hosts' rescue late on to tip over Ross McCormack's long-range effort.

Zigic and substitute Chris Wood brought good saves from Paul Rachubka, otherwise there was little serious threat to the scoreline amid what remained an intriguing and hard-fought encounter.

Defeat ended fifth-placed Leeds' seven-match unbeaten league record and moved Chris Hughton's side up to seventh and within a point of them. Wins in their two games in hand, Birmingham will go second.

Referee Chris Foy took charge in what was his first match since Sunday's controversial 1-0 win for QPR against Chelsea.