Brighton regained top spot in the Championship as Bobby Zamora’s early second-half goal proved the difference against Birmingham at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls extended their unbeaten start to 18 matches and leapfrogged Derby and Hull to reclaim first place.
Solly March put them in front in the 17th minute but Jon Toral headed an equaliser four minutes later for the visitors.
Zamora ensured maximum points, though, for Chris Hughton’s men when he scored from close in after March’s first effort had been blocked.