The promotion-chasing Blues were well-beaten at the Pirelli Stadium as Rowett endured a miserable return to his ex-club
Steve Madeley
21:54, 21 Oct 2016Updated 21:54, 21 Oct 2016
Burton's goalscorers Dyer and Ward celebrate(Image: Action Images / Lee Smith)
Gary Rowett suffered a miserable return to Burton as his former club condemned his promotion-chasing Birmingham side to another dose of the Friday night blues.
The Brewers, who launched Rowett’s management career, claimed only their second win in nine games as ex-Birmingham winger Lloyd Dyer and striker Jamie Ward found the net.
It was a second successive Friday defeat for Birmingham , who face Second City rivals Aston Villa in their next game.
But it was a richly deserved victory for Nigel Clough’s Burton.
Birmingham had the better of the opening 15 minutes with Lukas Jutkiewicz testing Burton with his muscle from some teasing crosses.
Lucas Jutkiewicz in action with Kyle McFadzean(Image: Action Images / Lee Smith)
But the home side took control as the first half progressed and threatened several times before taking the lead.
Ward missed two good chances for the Brewers, first when he sent a tame shot wide from a Dyer cross.
Then he had an even better opening but he scooped an effort over the crossbar from another fine cross by Dyer.
Ward then turned provider with a flick-on for Aussie midfielder Jackson Irvine, who was denied by a smart low save from ex-Brewers keeper Adam Legzdins.
Gary Rowett watches on(Image: Getty Images)
But Legzdins was helpless on 32 minutes as Ward turned well and picked out Dyer, who cut in from the left and finished superbly from a tight angle.
Chris O’Grady then headed straight at Legzdins, who denied his former club a second on the stroke of half-time with a fine low save from Ward.
Lucas Akins missed a great chance early in the second half when he pounced on a poor touch by Michael Morrison but blazed a shot over.
Che Adams has a shot at goal(Image: Action Images / Lee Smith)
Jamie Ward scores Burton's second(Image: Action Images / Lee Smith)
But Burton doubled their lead on 62 minutes when Ward raced onto a high ball by John Brayford and kept his composure to beat Legzdins.
And they could have wrapped up the game moments later but O’Grady fired wide with a shot on the turn.
Michael Morrison missed a good headed chance from a corner late on as Birmingham hunted a lifeline.
Will Birmingham get promoted this season?
Will Birmingham get promoted this season?
YES
NO