Birmingham City 1-0 Preston North End: Jay Stansfield goal eases Blues' relegation fears

Jay Stansfield's goal ensured Gary Rowett celebrated victory in his first home game back in charge of struggling Birmingham as they eased their relegation fears with a priceless 1-0 win over play-off hopefuls Preston.

On-loan Fulham striker Stansfield's 68th-minute strike - his 10th Sky Bet Championship goal of the season - secured interim boss Rowett and Blues a deserved first victory in eight games since manager Tony Mowbray was last in the dugout.

After four straight defeats and one point from the last 21, it was also City's first clean sheet in nine as they remained outside the relegation zone.

In-form Preston were bidding for their third straight win and seventh victory in 11, but the best chances fell to Birmingham.

Watched by their second highest home attendance of the season of 24,511, Blues created two big chances in the first 16 minutes.

Koji Miyoshi released the unmarked Juninho Bacuna for a first-time angled effort from just inside the box that goalkeeper Freddie Woodman shovelled away at his near post before Jordan James' low 25-yard drive was inches wide.

Preston's first chance arrived in the 35th minute. Duane Holmes teed up Noah Mawene 15 yards out, but the midfielder trod on the ball and the chance was lost.

But, almost immediately, Birmingham gifted North End a golden opportunity.

Emanuel Aiwu missed Ethan Laird's back header, allowing Robbie Brady to go clean through.

The captain opted to square the ball, but a recovery challenge from Lee Buchanan cleared the danger.

Aiwu then got away with what appeared a clear push on Preston striker Will Keane in the area after the striker burst away from him.

Keane got his own back with a late swipe across the back of Aiwu's left leg to earn the first booking.

Blues returned