Wes Thomas scored shortly before half time to give Birmingham City a 1-0 lead over Leeds United in their Championship clash this afternoon.

Marco Silvestri was tested inside the opening 10 minutes when Brek Shea unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards out, but his effort was straight at the Italian goalkeeper.

Giuseppe Bellusci almost headed the ball into his own net shortly after as Birmingham continued to look the stronger of the two sides, but the Leeds defender headed just wide of the post to concede a corner.

Stephen Warnock tried to carve out a chance for the visitors midway through the half following a quiet start from Leeds, but his cross was easily cleared by Darren Randolph.

The hosts broke the deadlock shortly before the break when Shea picked out Thomas with a low cross, leaving his teammate to curl it into the top corner, which resulted in a delay as the powerful finish broke the net.

Leeds tried to apply the pressure in a lengthy spell of injury time, but were unable to get back on level terms before the break.