Gabriel Agbonlahor’s first goal of the season ensured Harry Redknapp’s opening game in charge of Birmingham ended in defeat as Aston Villa ran out 1-0 winners in the Sky Bet Championship.

A cagey affair was decided in the 68th minute with Agbonlahor pouncing on a loose ball to fire home just nine minutes after coming off the bench.

The result leaves Blues just two points above Blackburn, who occupy the final relegation spot, with just two games to go.

Meanwhile, Villa earn the bragging rights in the Birmingham derby once more, having lost just once to their bitter rivals in their last 12 encounters (W8 D3).

Before the match, a minute’s applause rung around Villa Park to remember former England and Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu, who passed away on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest at Tottenham’s training ground a day earlier.

Every corner of the ground paid tribute as Villa fans chanted Ehiogu’s name, but attentions soon turned to matters on the pitch with the Blues in desperate need of three points.

A nervy first half followed as neither side tested the opposing goalkeeper - Villa failed to register a chance of any note before the break.

However, one glorious opportunity did fall for Blues, but Che Adams flashed his volley over the bar from 10 yards out following Lukas Jutkiewicz’s pinpoint cross.

The game’s turning point was arguably the introduction of Agbonlahor just before the hour-mark, whose presence roused the home crowd.

And the striker, who had not scored since February 2016 against Norwich, immediately got involved when tussling with Ryan Shotton - a scuffle which resulted in a yellow card for both.

It got better for Agbonlahor moments later, as he was in the right place to fire home from six yards out following a corner which Blues struggled to clear.

Birmingham looked to respond immediately, but Jacques Maghoma saw his effort blocked, while substitute Greg Steward sent a decent volley wide with one minute left on the clock.