Now it's Blues' turn to have an attacking free-kick right on the touchline as Haji Wright clumsily bundles over Jordan James.

It ends with Koji Miyoshi blazing miles over from the edge of the box after the initial cross is half-cleared.

Free-kick 30 yards from the Birmingham goal for Coventry, out on the right.

But Jake Bidwell's delivery is poor, simple take for Blues keeper John Ruddy.

Just sneaked a look at the stats and they are more even than I imagined.

Coventry have created the better chances though - and here's another as Haji Wright works space in the Birmingham box but fires straight at John Ruddy.

Hmm. Coventry keeper Brad Collins decides to punch a Juninho Bacuna in-swinging free-kick out for a corner.

Cue anyone over 30 to shout "should have caught that!"

Collins easily collects a Marc Roberts flick from the corner though so no damage done.

Ian Clarkson
Ex-Birmingham captain on BBC Radio WM

That was an absolutely fantastic save from John Ruddy. It's kept Blues in this game.

Image source, PA Media

Oof! With his face! But a great save nonetheless from John Ruddy who keeps the visitors in it.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto's delightful diagonal is collected by Haji Wright, who cuts inside Juninho Bacuna and lets fly from inside the area.

Ruddy cut down the angle brilliantly even if if the part of the body he blocked the shot with was slightly unorthodox.

Image source, Rex Features

Milan van Ewijk has looked a real threat on the right for Coventry and he stands up a cross for an unmarked Haji Wright.

But the Coventry striker cannot get enough power on his header, which is straight at Blues keeper John Ruddy.

Richard Wilford
BBC Radio WM commentator

In a situation like that, if Siriki Dembele could stay on his feet, it would be better if he did in order to create the kind of attack which Birmingham desperately need.

There's a very good atmosphere in this arena. It has felt like a derby game.

Birmingham's Siriki Dembele booked for simulation.

A weaving run into the area and he goes down with Bobby Thomas in close attendance.

But the Sky Blues defender withdrew his leg and pulled out of any challenge. Correct decision by the referee.

Callum O'Hare drags a shot badly wide from around 20 yards after being afforded acres of space to run in to.

Still only 1-0, though - even though the hosts are dominating most metrics.

Yep, Coventry did lose Gustavo Hamer and top scorer Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, don't forget.

Will take their replacements a while to bed in but judging on tonight, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto looks a prospect.

He wins a free-kick with a classy turn on halfway.

Image source, PA Media

Steve in Powys: Mark Robins should be given tons of time as long as Coventry avoid relegation. Building a whole team after losing two of the best players in the league is no easy feat. On recent outings, improvements are there and Robins is 100% still the right man for the job.

Simon in Newark: When will rich club owners realise that great players do not necessarily make even average managers? Rooney is a prime example, ditto Lampard.

Ian Clarkson
Ex-Birmingham captain on BBC Radio WM

Blues have started trying to play out from the back, which they need to do - they need some possession, which also calms the crowd down.

It's been a positive start to the second half for them. They need to take time on their passes and find better angles. It was a great ball in from Jordan James and Lukas Jutkiewicz's header was just too looping to beat the goalkeeper.

A rare effort on target for Birmingham but Lukas Jutkiewicz's glancing, looping header is easy for Brad Collins.

Coventry forward Ellis Simms does not look entirely comfortable after that earlier coming-to.

Holds his ankle gingerly after an offside flag thwarts a run into space.

Sulaimon Adelekan: Callum O’Hare with a good finish after all his injury issues. What a moment for him. More problems for Wayne Rooney, considering Birmingham were in the play-off places when he took over. I don’t see them winning tonight.

Andrew Evans: RE J Staggs (20:07) saying Rooney will take Blues back to where they belong - to be fair to the lad, if you look at BCFC and their history, he’s well on the way to achieving that.

Ooh, saucer of milk!

Back under way - can Birmingham avoid an eighth straight away defeat?

They almost let Ellis Simms straight in from the kick-off but just about crowd him out.

Don't want to pick on Mr Rooney but it has kinda been the opposite of a new manager bounce hasn't it?

Five points from a possible 24. Needs a second-half response to stop that being five from 27...

He's sent his players back out into the Coventry Building Society Arena pretty early.

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Getty Images

David: Birmingham City appear to be recording defeats under Wayne Rooney in place of their sponsor. Could be chalking another one up tonight.

It's five defeats in eight games for Rooney so far at Birmingham...

Calling Coventry fans out there - if you didn't know already, BBC Sport has a fantastic fancast dedicated to your club.

BBC Radio CWR's Sky Blues Fancast, headed by Lorna Bailey, discusses everything Coventry-centric each week.

You can find all of the podcast episodes - including the latest one - right here.

Image source, BBC Sport