Wycombe Wanderers lost for only the fifth time in the league this season as they were defeated by top-of-table Birmingham City 1-0 at St Andrew’s.

In the first meeting between the two clubs in the Second City for five years, the league leaders went into the match nine points clear with a game in hand over the Chairboys, who sit second.

The Blues had not lost at home in the league all season, suffering just one defeat on their own patch in all competitions, and they used this to their advantage as the ex-Premier League outfit bossed the opening period.

First, Alfie May, who has scored eight goals in 10 matches against the Chairboys in his career, forced Will Norris into a good save, whilst Japanese international Tomoki Iwata fired his volley wide.

Birmingham continued to show their dominance as Ethan Laird was causing Wanderers numerous problems, whilst Alex Cochrane, Paik Seung-Ho, Kieran Dowell and Willum Willumson all went close.

The Chairboys defended their lives.

More problems than occurred for Mike Dodds’ men as left-back Dan Harvie suffered a serious-looking leg injury inside the opening 10 minutes, and a few moments later, a Norris mistake gave the Blues the lead.

On 20 minutes, a long ball from goalkeeper Ryan Allsop completely evaded the Wanderers midfield and defence.

It found Taylor Gardner-Hickman who took one touch before striking a volley straight at the Wycombe keeper.

It should have been a routine stop, but Norris parried it over his own body which allowed the ball to trickle over the line.

Wanderers offered very little in the opening 45 minutes but did conjure up two glorious chances.

The first fell to Josh Scowen who smashed his shot over, whilst Fred Onyedimna fired wide.

This was as good as it got as Wycombe’s afternoon was made increasingly difficult on the stroke of half-time.

Laird ran towards the Wycombe goal where he was fouled by Xavier Simons.

His challenge was too dangerous for the referee’s liking, who showed him a straight red card.

The second period was the polar opposite as the Chairboys were a lot more controlled in possession.

Cameron Humphreys, Garath McCleary, Dan Udoh and Jack Grimmer all went close but to no avail.

Richard Kone came on as a second-half substitute as Dodds’ side thew the kitchen sink, but the day belonged to Birmingham.

They stay top, 12 points clear of Wycombe, whilst Wanderers remain second on 64 points.

Up next is Burton Albion at home on March 4.

Attendance: 27,522