Bonatini gives Wolves edge over Birmingham

LONDON: Leo Bonatini’s 12th goal of the season was sufficient to give English Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers a 1-0 win over struggling Birmingham for their sixth successive victory.

Bonatini’s first-half effort – which was given thanks to goal line technology – saw Wolves restore their four point lead over Cardiff, who beat Norwich 3-1 on Friday, and a 10 point advantage over thirdplaced Bristol City.

Birmingham – who finished with 10 men as Harlee Dean was sent off for a second bookable offence seven minutes from time – remain third from bottom.

Wolves Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo was unimpressed by the manner of the win.

“Winning is good and how is important,” the 43-year-old former Porto handler told Sky Sports.

“Today was not our best, how we played was not our best, and we felt that the players knew they should have performed better.

“It’s good to win, it’s a good result, but it was a tough game.”

The visitors took the lead in the eighth minute as Bonatini scored from close range after David Stockdale had saved twice.

Birmingham defender Michael Morrison thought he had cleared it off the line but the technology proved otherwise.

The hosts were fortunate to have 11 men on the pitch a minute later when Marc Roberts scythed down Diogo Jota, but got away with a booking.

Wolves wasted several chances to extend their lead, substitute Helder Costa guilty of the worst miss as one on one with Stockdale he overplayed his hand with some neat footwork only for the goalkeeper to clear.

Birmingham manager Steve Cotterill tried to inject some urgency into his front line with 23 minutes remaining by sending on Che Adams, who has been the most potent of his strikers this term having scored five of his side’s paltry 10 league goals.