I said earlier that David Davis could get some joy down Blues' right side and his low cross into the area is laid back to Jonathan Spector.

In truth, it was a defender's shot, as he looped it over the Villa bar.

Soon after, Jacques Maghoma has Birmingham's first shot on target of the match, but Pierluigi Gollini is easily behind it.

So far not much to report on the pitch in this second half, but Villa have had the majority of play and are finding it difficult to break down a Birmingham defence which Gary Rowett prides his team on.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Gary Rowett will give it 10 or 15 minutes and then maybe look at changing the formation and personnel.

Aston Villa will be very happy with a 1-0 lead. They've got good experience and they're a threat when they go forward.

Image source, Rex Features

Clayton Donaldson looked like he needed an arm around the shoulder after that first half. Can he help his side get back into this match?

He gets us under way in the second half.

The football action doesn't stop at St Andrew's today, with two games from the Premier League, kicking off with Everton v West Ham at Goodison Park in about half an hour's time.

Later, Chelsea travel to Southampton and you can follow all the action from both games here.

Norwich and Huddersfield will want to forget their matches in a hurry - the two promotion contenders were thumped 5-0 at Brighton and Fulham respectively.

Newcastle won 2-1 at Preston to remain three points at the top of the Championship.

As for the two sides who sacked their managers earlier this week... Wigan won 1-0 at Cardiff, while Wolves fought back to draw 1-1 at Blackburn.

Image source, Rex Features

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

A draw at half-time would have been fair.

Clayton Donaldson should have scored - how he's missed I don't know. You've got to give credit to the linesman because we don't think it crossed the line.

The header from Gary Gardner, from Villa's first attack, was a great goal. It's been a good game.

Well that was quite a half of football.

From Clayton Donaldson's header which was millimetres from crossing the line to Gary Gardner's absolutely belting header for Villa, we've been treated to a feast of Halloween football.

No real horror challenges as yet though...

Clayton Donaldson, who's looked a real handful in this first half, almost latches on to a long ball forward, but Villa keeper Pierluigi Gollini gets there just in front of him.

This has genuinely been a thoroughly entertaining first half for a neutral. These games can so often be poor in quality.

Phil Maiden
BBC Sport at St Andrew's

Frustation is building in the home end, with Birmingham fans feeling a few decisions are going against them. 

Steve Bruce will also not be helping to lift their spirits as he responds to Villa fans with a wave that gets a big cheers from the visiting supporters.

Five, yes five added minutes in this first half.

Che Adams is not a happy bunny. The Birmingham forward thinks he's won a corner off Ross McCormack, but the referee points for a goal kick, much to the despair of much of St Andrew's.

The half seems to be winding down now.

Jonathan Kodjia looks OK to continue but Birmingham go down the other end and Ryan Shotton heads a free-kick over the bar.

Gary Rowett looks on in frustration.

Image source, Getty Images

Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia is writhing on the ground in pain following an aerial challenge with Ryan Shotton.

The visitors don't want to lose another player to injury in the first half, following the earlier injury to Albert Adomah.

Another Villa free-kick gives Jordan Ayew another chance to swing the ball into the box, but it's too long for everyone (even Gary Gardner) and is clasped by Blues keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Image source, PA

When your team scores from a set piece, you know all that hard work on the training ground has paid off.

Steve Bruce will be mightily pleased to get the first goal in this match (obviously).

Villa almost get the chance of another, but Ryan Shotton clears a dangerous ball through into the area.

Birmingham City respond to going behind by winning a corner, but Jacques Maghoma's ball into the box is easily cleared by Jonathan Kodjia. 

You'd have to say Birmingham shaded the opening stages before the goal. We have a real game on our hands now.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

What an unbelievable header. He's risen above Clayton Donaldson and powered it over the goalkeeper. 

He's run the length of the field to celebrate with his own fans - they're going mad.

Image source, Rex Features