Two of Taylor Gardner-Hickman's career haul of five goals have come in the past five days
Taylor Gardner-Hickman netted the only goal of the game as Birmingham City stretched their lead at the top of League One to a commanding 12 points with victory over second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.
Blues extended their unbeaten league run to 18 games against a Wycombe side who were reduced to 10 men before half-time - but victory came at a cost as the hosts lost goalkeeper Ryan Allsop late on with an ankle injury.
Gardner-Hickman had only scored his first goal for Blues in Tuesday night's 2-0 home win over Leyton Orient - and he followed it up after 21 minutes at St Andrew's.
Allsop's long kick was collected by Gardner-Hickman, who took the ball on his chest before turning to hit a first-time right-foot volley - and Wycombe goalkeeper Will Norris could only parry the ball, which spun back to bounce over the line.
Wycombe created chances to equalise but then had midfielder Xavier Simons sent off in first-half stoppage time.
Simons went for the ball with Ethan Laird, bringing down the Birmingham right-back down with a lunging challenge - and referee Ben Toner issued a straight red card, deeming the tackle to be dangerous play.
Chris Davies's Birmingham held on to take the three points and complete a double over Wycombe, having won 3-2 at Adams Park in August.
It strengthens Blues' firm grip on the promotion race with 14 matches left - and a game in hand over both Wycombe and third-placed Wrexham, who are 14 points off top spot.
Report supplied by PA Media.
