Jay Stansfield’s late header ensured Birmingham took over top spot in League One from Wycombe ahead of Christmas Day with a 1-0 victory at lowly Crawley.

Stansfield, the £10million signing from Fulham, settled the game with his 11th league goal of the season to give the Blues their seventh successive win in all competitions.

Crawley, who remain in the bottom four, worked hard throughout but failed to produce a shot on target in the whole match.

Crawley boss Rob Elliot likened the clash as “a bit of a David vs Goliath story” and urged his young side to test themselves against “the best players at this level”.

The Red Devils enjoyed plenty of early possession but Birmingham fashioned the first opportunity on 17 minutes when Alfie May played Stansfield in but his tame shot was easily held by keeper Jojo Wollacott.

Former Swindon keeper Wollacott was well positioned to hold a fierce drive from Paik Seung-ho from outside the area after the Blues had forced a corner.

Crawley suffered an injury blow when Ade Adeyemo was forced off with a head injury before Wollacott turned a half volley from Stansfield round the post.

The Blues went close inside the first minutes of the second half when Tomoki Iwata put a shot inches wide of Wollacott’s left hand post.

Chris Davies’ men threatened again when South Korea midfielder Paik had a shot blocked by Wollacott.

The breakthrough came 11 minutes from time when a cross from Keshi Anderson was glanced in by Stansfield.

Birmingham’s victory would have been more convincing had great work from the surging Ethan Laird been finished off five minutes from time.