Fulham left St Andrew's with nothing to show for their efforts after a bruising encounter with Birmingham City.

Lucas Jutkiewicz's goal 15 minutes from time was enough to give Gianfranco Zola his first victory as Blues manager.

There was further pain for Ryan Fredericks as he was harshly sent off for a late tackle on Craig Gardner. He will miss games with Wigan, Nottingham Forest and former side Tottenham Hotspur, unless Fulham successfully appeal the red.

It was harsh in the context of the game with Fulham playing much the better football and the home side resorting to pumping long balls forward, which caused problems for the Whites defenders.

The opening 45 was similar in style to the 2-0 win at Burton Albion where Fulham played the better football but lacked sufficient tools to breach the Birmingham defence.

The Blues caused Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas problems with high balls over the top and David Button had to be alert.

Tim Ream takes on Jerome Sinclair

Birmingham forced a number of corners in the second half and every time Fulham countered, Tom Cairney was scythed down with Cheick Keita and Maikel Kieftenbeld booked for their deliberate fouls.

The game changed on 68 minutes as Fredericks went in late on Gardney and, after the home players reacted with fury, referee Andrew Madley pulled out the red card to dismiss the full back.

That lifted Birmingham and they took advantage as Keita's cross was turned home by Jutkiewicz.

Floyd Ayite had the best chance for an equaliser in stoppage time but, with a clear sight of goal, he miscued his shot wide.