Birmingham City moved within a point of the Championship play-off places after holding on to a 2-1 win over Watford on Monday.
First half goals from Paik Seung-Ho and Demarai Gray secured all three points for Chris Davies’ side at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
The Blues carried the biggest attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes.
Nathan Baxter made a smart save to deny Phil Neumann but the Watford goalkeeper was helpless after half an hour as Paik stole possession in the visitors’ half and dribbled home.
The hosts doubled their lead two minutes before half-time, with Gray curling in Jay Stansfield’s deep cross at the far post.
But Javi Gracia’s team responded well after the break. Marc Bola tested James Beadle before Othmane Maamma halved the deficit in the 61st minute.
It was the Moroccan’s first goal for the Hornets, although it proved academic as Birmingham held on to win.
A HUGE MONDAY NIGHT Wpic.twitter.com/SnHue2veBj
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) December 1, 2025
Data Debrief: More home comforts for the Blues
Birmingham recorded their first win in eight league games between the teams, and only their second in 13 meetings.
They were even marginally ahead of expected goals, generating 1.26 xG to Watford’s 1.03.
The Blues have now claimed 20 points at home this season, the most in the Championship, along with league leaders Coventry City.
Watford, who remain 15th in the table, missed the chance to move into the top half and suffered their first defeat in six league matches.
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