Birmingham derby all-square at the break

Birmingham 0 Aston Villa 0

Nolberto Solano was denied by the woodwork from giving Aston Villa a half-time lead in the Second City derby with Birmingham at St Andrews.

The 42nd minute free-kick from the Peruvian international thudded against the inside of the post and rebounded to safety with Blues ’keeper Maik Taylor well beaten.

Darren Carter had gone closest for the home side in a frenetic opening 45 minutes with a low effort which flew inches wide.