Hull City vs. Birmingham City

It was only Birmingham's third goal of the season but the reasons why Hull went into the game with the worst defence in the competition were only too evident.

Ecuador striker Benitez, making his first league start, was a threat throughout and was unlucky to come up against Myhill in such good form.

Hull had an early chance after Stephen Carr was booked for a foul on Stephen Hunt on the left. Hunt swung in the resulting free-kick towards Jozy Altidore and Kamil Zayatte also seemed to get a touch in the ensuing scramble but Birmingham cleared.

Birmingham's first chance came as Benitez showed good skill on the edge of the area and turned neatly to shoot but Myhill saved low down and Andy Dawson cleared. It was the first of three good saves in quick succession from the Wales international as Birmingham enjoyed a good spell.

Gary McSheffrey then flashed wide from outside the edge of the box as Birmingham, despite their poor scoring record, showed some promise. Hull responded as Olofinjana made a powerful run into the box and squared across goal but Scott Dann slid in and forced Altidore to scuff his sho

The deadlock was broken just after the hour. Fahey's delivery from the set-piece was perfect and found O'Connor unmarked to head home at the near post.

The Tigers rallied for one late charge and Geovanni shot wide before Olofinjana headed against the bar from a corner. Another goalmouth scramble ensued but Blues somehow held out.