O'Connor heads Blues to victory

Goalkeeper Myhill had been outstanding throughout an eventful Barclays Premier League encounter at the KC Stadium, producing brilliant saves from the lively Christian Benitez and Lee Bowyer.

Joe Hart was also kept busy in the Birmingham goal and Seyi Olofinjana hit the bar late on but O'Connor's 75th-minute effort proved decisive.

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. Yet Blues could consider themselves fortunate to come away with the points as Hart was the least convincing of the two goalkeepers and Hull caused some moments of panic in his area.

Myhill made three good saves in quick succession early on as Birmingham enjoyed a good spell. Myhill first pushed away a Barry Ferguson flick and then quickly regained his feet to tip over a fierce drive from Lee Bowyer.

A long throw by Ibrahima Sonko was unconvincingly punched away by Hart but Birmingham just managed to hack behind as Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, making his first start, threatened.

Birmingham's goal came after Hull had been in the ascendancy with Stephen Carr heading away a delicate Paul McShane cross at the far post and substitute Kamel Ghilas having a shot blocked for a corner.

Play quickly switched the other end as Benitez skipped past Dawson and Myhill again saved at the expense of a corner. Keith Fahey's delivery from the set-piece was perfect and found O'Connor, who came on for McSheffrey just after the hour, unmarked to head home at the near post.

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