Bonatini sets up Midlands derby win for Wolves

Leo Bonatini reopened Wolves’ four-point lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship by scoring the only goal of a 1-0 derby win at ten-man Birmingham.

The striker’s 12th goal of the season sealed a sixth straight victory for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as they reasserted their dominance in the league.

Defeat kept Blues, who had Harlee Dean sent off, in the drop zone on goal difference after a powderpuff performance and they have just one win in eight games.

Wolves seized control after eight minutes when they were gifted the winner. Jonathan Grounds passed straight to Ivan Cavaleiro on the edge of the box and he forced David Stockdale into a fine save before the goalkeeper turned away Diogo Jota’s follow-up. Buthecouldnot keep out Bonatini’s third effort as it crept over the line despite Michael Morrison’s attempt to clear.

Birmingham improved after the break but their hopes ended when Dean was dismissed with seven minutes left, collecting a second booking after shoving Jota.