League One leaders Birmingham returned to winning ways and extended their lead at the top as Kieran Dowell’s 70th-minute penalty earned them a 1-0 Sky Bet League One victory over Lincoln.

Blues dominated the opening stages but could not capitalise on their control, despite a series of promising early chances at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

George Wickens produced a sublime last-gasp save in the 15th minute after an unmarked Taylor Gardner-Hickman directed a volley towards a near-empty net.

The Imps enjoyed their best spell of the game at the start of the second half, but the hosts soon settled as they looked to reassume control of proceedings.

Tomoki Iwata was caught in the box by the dangling leg of substitute Sam Clucas in the 69th minute and the stadium erupted as referee David Rock pointed to the penalty spot.

Dowell stepped up and scored his second Blues goal since joining on loan from Rangers in January, finishing with ease into the top-right corner – which proved enough for Chris Davies’ side to take all three points.