Cardiff strengthened their grip on third spot in the Championship with a 1-0 win over Birmingham on Sunday afternoon.

Birmingham began the match the stronger, with Nikola Zigic proving a physical threat in the air.

The Serbian came closest to opening the scoring after 10 minutes but his header drifted over the bar when he might have done better.

Chances were few and far between in the opening half with Cardiff just about edging possession but their best chance arrived at 38 minutes when Filip Kiss advanced on goal, but his effort drifted off target.

Cardiff began to dominate possession in the second period and their cause was helped when Curtis Davies saw red for Birmingham for a reckless lunge on Kenny Miller.

It got worse for Birmingham after 68 minutes when the home side opened the scoring with a header from Miller.

The home side continued to dominate the match in the latter stages to hold on for a vital three points in the race for promotion.

Cardiff will look to continue their fine form against Millwall next Saturday, while Birmingham host Doncaster.