Birmingham 0 Huddersfield Town 2: Wagner stays grounded as he gets off the mark

Nahki Wells made the game safe for Huddersfield Town with his late far-post tap-in at Birmingham (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).

The 2-0 triumph at Birmingham – Huddersfield’s second away win of the season – was achieved as a result of a dream start, with Joe Lolley scoring after just 31 seconds and Nahki Wells applying the killer blow with a second goal seven minutes from time.

Wagner was delighted to have secured his first win at the third attempt and feels the result will prove a good launch pad for the rest of the term.

“It was the perfect performance,” said the German. “We started as we finished the previous game and this is a good sign.

“To be honest, I expected a good game. We are very happy and proud about our performance and the result.

“I am pleased with the performance of the squad and we made a perfect start with such a quick goal.

“Birmingham are quite a good team, but we defended well to keep a clean sheet.”

Wagner knows there is plenty of work still ahead for his team and said: “I do not look at the table. It is not interesting for me. It is what the team does in training and on the pitch.

“I am sure this squad has quality to enjoy a good position by the end of the season. The win is another step in the right direction.”

Huddersfield’s star man was Sean Scannell. He had a field day against Jonathan Grounds and created both goals with his assists from the right.

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett was far from happy with the latest setback.

It means the Blues have won only one game in their last seven matches at St Andrew’s, although surprisingly they remain in touch with the play-off zone.

Rowett had originally given his players a day off on Monday after their Christmas party.

“They have been told to report on Monday,” he said. “I am not going to enjoy the weekend and I see no reason why they should.”

Rowett admitted the absence of such experienced players as Clayton Donaldson. David Cotterill and Paul Robinson was having an impact.

Birmingham City: Kuszczak, Eardley, Morrison, Spector, Grounds; Kieftenbeld, Gleeson, Davis (Solomon-Otabor 60), Toral; Brock-Madsen (Maghoma 60), Gray (Shinnie 74). Unused substitutes: Legzdins, Lowry, Caddis, Halford.

Huddersfield Town: Steer, Smith, Hudson, Cranie, Chilwell; Whitehead (Dempsey 73), Huws, Scannell, Paterson; Lolley (Carayol 62), Wells (Miller 89). Unused substitutes: Hogg, Wallace, Bunn, Allinson.

Referee: S Martin (Staffordshire).

Man of the match: Sean Scannell.