Solid hosts hold on after flying start by Roberts

PATRICK Roberts handed Birmingham City a much-needed 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers to end their poor run of form.

- By ALEX DICKEN

Richard Kone battles with Blues' Jack Robinson Harvey Vale of QPR and Marvin Ducksch of Birmingham City

Blues extended QPR's losing run and halted their own at three matches on a night where they were worth more than one goal.

The pace and trickery of recalled winger Ibrahim Osman gave QPR the jitters from the get-go and the opening goal was crafted by the Ghanaian down Blues' left in the sixth minute.

Osman left QPR right-back Amadou Mbengue in his wake and cut the ball back for Roberts to sweep home his fourth goal of the season - and his second against QPR this term.