Yorke goal gives Blackburn win

Birmingham 0, Blackburn 1 (full-time)

Dwight Yorke’s first goal for Blackburn since his summer move from Manchester United spoiled the St Andrews party for Birmingham.

Yorke pounced in the 13th minute with a typical poacher’s strike to leave Steve Bruce’s side still searching for their first points in the top flight after a 16-year absence.

City had chances to equalise, only to be denied by Brad Friedel and then to run out of steam in the closing 15 minutes when Rovers wasted opportunities to increase their tally.

From the 74th minute onwards Rovers then broke out of their defensive shell and began to pepper the City goal, only for Vaesen to deny Yorke, Taylor and Cole in quick succession with superb saves.

Cole and Yorke wasted further chances to increase the lead, but for Blackburn it fortunately mattered little as they grabbed a vital away win.