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James Hayter scored twice in seven first-half minutes as Yeovil moved within four points of safety with a win at Birmingham.

Hayter made the most of a Hayden Mullins error to prod the Glovers ahead in the 12th minute.

The striker added a second, taking his tally to six in four matches, when he headed in Joe Ralls's cross.

Lee Novak hit the bar for the hosts and Yeovil goalkeeper Marek Stech blocked a header from Brian Howard.

The win was just Yeovil's fifth victory in 25 league matches this season.

Mullins gave them a helping hand when his failed attempt to head back to Darren Randolph allowed Hayter, 34, a simple finish.

Randloph pulled off impressive saves from Ralls and Moore but was beaten again when Hayter glanced in.

Novak's header came back off the bar as Birmingham looked for a way back before Stech's close-range save from Howard ended the home side's hopes.

Birmingham assistant manager Terry McDermott:

"To say we are disappointed is an understatement.

"We actually played quite well in the first half when we created a lot of chances.

"The second half became more difficult. When you park 10 men behind the ball it is difficult to break. We should have dealt with the two goals and we paid the penalty."

Yeovil manager Gary Johnson:

"We are still battling and the boys showed a great spirit. That spirit will keep us in the hunt for a big part of the season. I was very proud of the boys' effort and performance.

"James Hayter has been a super striker for a long time.

"When he gets himself in those positions he is a very good finisher. He doesn't panic and he took his goals extremely well."