Birmingham City marked their return to Championship action at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Oxford United, sealed by Paik Seung-ho's cool first-half strike. The South Korea international struck just before the interval at the end of another flowing move from Chris Davies's side, whose control of the first half deserved more than the single goal that proved enough.
Oxford, newly promoted as League One champions and now under Gary Rowett, weathered long spells without the ball but remained in the contest, threatening through Cameron Brannagan in the first half and almost forcing a late equaliser when Mark Harris shot wide in stoppage time. In the end, Birmingham's dominance of territory and possession, plus a clean sheet for Ryan Allsop, delivered a first home league win of the season and extended their unbeaten start, while Oxford's difficult opening to life back in the second tier continued with a third successive defeat.
Breathless Opening as Both Sides Trade Early Blows
The opening five minutes in the West Midlands were frantic, setting the tone for a contest played at high tempo. Oxford threatened inside the opening minute when Tyler Goodrham curled an effort just wide, a reminder that Rowett's side were prepared to be positive despite the step up in level.