Birmingham maintained their lead at the top of the Sky Bet League One table with a 1-0 win over Exeter at St Andrew’s.

Ethan Laird’s smart finish deep into first-half stoppage time proved the difference as Blues remained two points clear of second-placed Wycombe.

A subdued first half saw Blues control possession but notable chances were scarce at both ends as half-time approached.

The breakthrough eventually came just before the break as Laird finished tidily into the bottom corner from an Alfie May cross.

It was much of the same in the second half as Chris Davies’ side continued to dominate but struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities.

There was concern for Exeter’s Vincent Harper late in the game following a clash of heads with substitute Lyndon Dykes – with the Grecians’ wing-back stretchered off and replaced by Ilmari Niskanen after a long break in play.

Exeter’s Jack McMillan received a second yellow card in the 13th minute of stoppage time as Blues claimed all three points.