Two goals in as many minutes from David Meyler and Abel Hernandez have given Steve Bruce's Hull City a commanding 2-0 lead at half time in their Championship clash with Birmingham City.

Hernandez sent an early strike over the top of goal from 25 yards, before Jacques Maghoma drew a smart save from Allan McGregor inside the opening 10 minutes.

Chuba Akpom then headed Sam Clucas's corner straight into the arms of Tomasz Kuszczak, and just minutes later the former Manchester United goalkeeper was called into action again as he reacted smartly to keep out Moses Odubajo's volley.

Odubajo's right-wing cross was within inches of meeting the head of the waiting Akpom on 20 minutes as the hosts began to dominate.

Gary Rowett's side were on the back foot, but came close to breaking the deadlock themselves when Maghoma skipped clear of his marker and tested McGregor with a curling shot on the half-hour mark.

However, Hull finally went ahead when Meyler rounded off a flowing team move with a calm, side-footed finish from inside the box on 36 minutes.

Just two minutes later the Tigers were two up as Hernandez cooly controlled a dropping ball before turning and hammering a volley beyond Kuszczak.