Two goals inside the opening 10 minutes mean that Birmingham City are level at 1-1 with Watford in Gary Rowett's first home game in charge of the Blues.

Birmingham made a dream start as Clayton Donaldson put them ahead in the third minute of the game with a simple finish from Stephen Gleeson's cross.

However, they were pegged back within four minutes of taking the lead when Fernando Forestieri fired home at the second attempt from Lloyd Doyley's cross.

David Cotterill came close to restoring Birmingham's lead in the 25th minute, but the winger saw his curling effort from 25 yards flash narrowly wide of the far post.

Andrew Shinnie was then presented with a far easier chance, but he fluffed his lines from close range.

Cotterill and Gleeson continued to test Heurelho Gomes as the Blues showed spirit in their attacking display, but Troy Deeney reminded them of his threat at the other end as half time approached.