[monks data]

Championship

Nov 4, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Birmingham Birmingham City
2-1
Watford

Donaldson (3', 86')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Forestieri (7')

Birmingham City strike late to knock Watford off top spot

By Kristian Johnson, Reporter | 04 November 2014

Watford fall from the top of the Championship with a 2-1 loss at Birmingham City in Gary Rowett's first game in charge at St Andrew's.

Watford have been knocked off their perch at the top of the Championship as they lost 2-1 to Birmingham City in Gary Rowett's first home game in charge of the Blues.

Birmingham made a dream start as Clayton Donaldson put them ahead in the third minute of the game with a simple finish from Stephen Gleeson's cross.

However, they were pegged back within four minutes of taking the lead when Fernando Forestieri fired home at the second attempt from Lloyd Doyley's cross.

David Cotterill came close to restoring Birmingham's lead in the 25th minute, but the winger saw his curling effort from 25 yards flash narrowly wide of the far post.

Andrew Shinnie was then presented with a far easier chance, but he fluffed his lines from close range.

Cotterill and Gleeson continued to test Heurelho Gomes as the Blues showed spirit in their attacking display, but Troy Deeney reminded them of his threat at the other end as half time approached.

Donaldson went close to netting a second in the 58th minute as the Blues continued to threaten the Championship leaders.

However, with just four minutes left Donaldson guided home a header to give the home side a shock result and knock Watford off the top of the Championship.