NIGEL Clough was handed a boost ahead of the game as Jackson Irvine, John Brayford and Jamie Ward were all passed fit after injury worries.
Birmingham dominated the ball in the opening ten minutes but Burton started to get a feel for the ball towards the 20 minute mark as Lloyd Dyer picked out Jamie Ward inside the box but his first-time left-footed effort looped over Adam Legzdins' crossbar.GOAL: Burton Albion grew into the game further and further and took the lead just after the half hour mark when Jami Ward picked the ball up in midfield before turning past two defenders and slotting the ball through to Lloyd Dyer who finished past Adam Legzdins with the outside of this left foot (1-0)!
Chris O'Grady, the focal point of Clough's team, came close towards the latter stages of the first half when he got on the end of a cross from the right but his header was glanced just wide of the far post and wide for a goal kick.
Birmingham had to call on their goalkeeper on the stroke of half time as Chris O'Grady timed his run well behind the Blues defence before bringing the ball down for Jamie Ward who put the ball through the legs of the defender and letting fly at goal but Adam Legzdins did well to save at his near post.
Half time: Burton Albion 1-0 Birmingham City
Both teams emerged unchanged after the break.
Burton came out of the traps quickly in the second half and it could have been a second when Lucas Akins blazed the ball over inside the box under the challenge of the Blues defender.
Gary Rowett made two early chances as he brought on Clayton Donaldson and Che Adams before the hour mark.
GOAL: Burton Albion's lead was doubled when Jamie Ward got in behind the Birmingham defence from John Brayford's long pass before advancing through on goal and finishing under Adam Legzdins (2-0)!
Chris O'Grady hasn't scored since the pre-season friendly with Stoke at the Pirelli but he nearly opened his account when he shot on the turn from the edge of the box but his effort was just wide of the post.
The Blues should have pulled a goal back with ten minutes to go when Stewart delivered a perfect corner for Morrison but his free header fell inches wide of the post.
Jamie Ward was rested for the final ten minutes of the game as he was replaced by Will Miller.
FT: Burton Albion 2-0 Birmingham City
Attendance: 5,818
Ash's man of the match: Lloyd Dyer