Goals: Downing 22' og., Forssell 45', McSheffrey 90' pen

Alex McLeish's Birmingham boosted their prospects of Premier League survival after beating fellow strugglers Middlesbrough 3-0 at St Andrews on Wednesday.

An own goal by Stewart Downing, a first half strike by Mikael Forssell and a Gary McSheffrey penalty in stoppage time went unanswered as the Blues picked up the much needed three points to lift them a point clear of Boro and Bolton, who were beaten by Everton.

Gareth Southgate's side made the better start to the encounter with Jeremie Aliadare keeping Maik Taylor busy in the early stages, but the Blues goalkeeper was equal to the task and confident between the post.

However, against the flow of the game and with a bit of luck, it was McLeish's men that were to break the deadlock.

McSheffrey's 23rd-minute free kick took a wicked defelection off Downing's leg sending the ball past Mark Schwarzer and into the back of the net.

Boro forward Tuncay should have levelled on 40 minutes when he headed a Downing free-kick from close range but Taylor's lightning-quick reactions helped keep the Blues ahead.

Forssell doubled the scorline for Birmingham on the stroke of half-time slotting home a McSheffrey's corner after it was flicked on by Cameron Jerome to the back post.

The hammer blow came in stoppage time when McSheffrey went to ground in the box following a challenge from former Chelsea defender Robert Huth.

McSheffrey converted from the spot to seal the win.

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