Runaway leaders Birmingham edged a step closer to Sky Bet League One automatic promotion with a 4-1 win in Michael Appleton’s first game in charge of Shrewsbury.

It was one-way traffic from start to finish in Blues head coach Chris Davies’ 50th game in charge.

Keshi Anderson rifled an angled half volley a foot over the bar, before Jay Stansfield’s rising shot was saved by goalkeeper Jamal Blackman in a one-on-one.

Willum Willumsson curled off target before Kieran Dowell blazed over after Anderson found Willumsson then cleverly dummied the return.

Ben Davies gave Blues a deserved lead in the 27th minute, sliding home Dowell’s curling free-kick unmarked from six yards.

Marc Leonard’s drive deflected behind off Aaron Pierre as Blues’ dominance continued.

Laird made it 2-0 in the 61st minute, glancing home Leonard’s cross unmarked.

Alfie May tapped home fellow substitute Emil Hansson’s cross, again unmarked, after 77 minutes.

May grabbed his second after 86 minutes, after rounding Blackman following onto Louis Harris’ through ball.

Substitute Vadaine Oliver headed a consolation a minute later in the visitors’ only effort of the game.