Burnley have taken a 1-0 lead into the halfway stage of their Championship clash with Birmingham City at St Andrew's this evening.

The visitors had the first notable attempt on goal in the 11th minute when Ross Wallace's corner picked out Kieran Trippier, but his volley flew high and wide.

Birmingham's first effort came just a minute later when Tyler Blackett found space to shoot, but the youngster dragged his shot wide of the post.

The hosts tested Tom Heaton for the first time just before the half-hour mark as Lee Novak cut inside from the right wing before unleashing a powerful effort towards goal that the Burnley keeper managed to hold.

Burnley responded to that by going up the other end and taking the lead within one minute, Dean Marney nodding in an easy chance having been found by Jonathan Spector's knock-down.

The Clarets almost doubled their lead with five minutes to go until half time when Marney found space to shoot once again, but this time his shot was deflected into the arms of the keeper.