Birmingham’s storming start continued as the Sky Bet League One leaders beat Bolton 2-0 at St Andrew’s@Knighthead Park.

Tomoki Iwata’s third-minute volley put them on their way to their ninth win in 11 games this season before Jay Stansfield’s 83rd-minute penalty sealed it.

Iwata netted with a cushioned side-footed effort after former City player Josh Dacres-Cogley headed away Alfie May’s cross.

Blues lost midfielder Emil Hansson to injury after a late challenge by Kyle Dempsey which saw the Bolton forward booked.

May was twice denied, first by the offside flag after he netted, then just after half-time.

He rounded Luke Southwood but the goalkeeper clawed the ball back and Willum Willumsson’s follow-up was blocked by Jay Matete.

Southwood denied Blues when he tipped away Ethan Laird’s header from Iwata’s cross, before Keshi Anderson’s shot was deflected wide.

Bolton were denied a late equaliser when John McAtee’s clean-through shot hit goalkeeper Ryan Allsop’s legs.

Blues sealed victory when Stansfield fired home from the spot after Anderson was fouled by Will Forrester.