Andrew Shinnie's 35th-minute strike has put Birmingham City on course for only their second win in 10 games against relegation-threatened Blackpool.

City, who registered their first win in nine games against Brentford, almost made an early breakthrough when Demarai Gray teed up Shinnie, but his left-footed effort was high and wide.

Blackpool also looked to threaten as the first half developed and went close to scoring, with both Miles Addison and Sheffield Wednesday loanee Gary Madine headed narrowly over the crossbar.

Robert Tesche then almost made a perfect start to life as a Birmingham player after he latched on to Jonathan Grounds's pass, but the debutant was unable to guide his shot on target.

City continued to be wayward with their attempts at goal as Gray played in David Cotterill and his effort failed to trouble Tangerines keeper Elliot Parish.

However, with half time approaching, Birmingham finally found an opener as Tesche's through-ball reached Shinnie and the Scot duly tucked the ball beyond the reach of Parish.