Doncaster Rovers lead Birmingham City at half time thanks to a 36th-minute strike by Paul Quinn.
The visitors carved out the first clear-cut chance of the afternoon when Lee Novak's cross found the head of Federico Macheda, who forced a save out of Donny goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Goalscoring opportunities fell to both sides in quick succession midway through the first period, with Chris Burke heading off target for Birmingham before David Cotterill blew a chance at the other end.
Doncaster broke the deadlock 10 minutes before half time following a set piece by Cotterill, which was turned into the net at the second attempt by Quinn.
