Birmingham 2 Nottingham Forest 0

Feb 14 2009 By Drew Williams, PA Sport

Scott Sinclair whipped in an inswinging cross from the right but Bent and Ridgewell could only get in each other's way and the former headed wide from four yards.

But the hosts finally registered the breakthrough they deserved just after the hour mark.

Murphy launched a cross into the penalty area from deep on the left and as Bent tussled with Kelvin Wilson, the ball broke nicely for the Blues striker to turn and prod past Smith, despite the best efforts from Wes Morgan on the line.

Luke Chambers' long-range effort forced Maik Taylor to dive low to his right and palm the ball away but Fahey made the game safe for the hosts with 15 minutes remaining.

The ex-St Patrick's midfielder picked up the ball on the left and drove into the area before placing a delicate chip over the stranded Smith to secure Blues' first win over the Reds at St Andrews since 1981.

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