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A brace from striker Clayton Donaldson helped revitalised Birmingham secure a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the Championship.

David Cotterill's free-kick opened the scoring before Donaldson diverted in the midfielder's cross for the second.

Donaldson tapped home his second just on half-time and Britt Assombalonga headed a late consolation for Forest.

Birmingham, who have lost just twice in 10 games under Gary Rowett, are level on points with 10th-placed Forest.

The Blues have been in good form since Rowett took over from Lee Clark in October following a club record 8-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.

Their latest loss came two days ago - a 4-0 reverse at home to Derby - but Rowett resisted the temptation to freshen up his side and stuck with the same XI for the fourth game in a row.

The visitors started with a flurry of chances but when the opener eventually came, it was against the run of play.

Cotterill's low free-kick from the left after 35 minutes caught the Forest defence flat-footed and bobbled into the far corner of Karl Darlow's net with nobody getting a touch in a crowded penalty box.

The second goal came just three minutes later and was almost identical.

Cotterill, who also scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Forest last month, delivered a low, bouncing cross into the box but this time Donaldson, 30, stuck out a leg to divert the ball into the far corner.

The third goal capped a terrible 10 minutes for Forest as Andrew Shinnie's shot from the edge of the box was parried by Darlow, hit his own defender and dropped perfectly for Donaldson to poke home his second of the game and eighth for the season since signing from Brentford in the summer.

Forest rallied as Robert Tesche rattled the woodwork and, after the break, Jamie Paterson shot into the side-netting, Eric Lichaj fired over the bar and an unmarked Tesche headed inches wide.

Stuart Pearce's side continued to press but Assombalonga's far-post header in added time came far too late for Forest, who have won just one of their last eight games at home and are slipping out of the play-off picture.

Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce: "We had enough efforts on the opposition goal to win a couple of games, never mind one. But we conceded three horrible, horrible goals and paid the price for that.

"We are lacking leadership and confidence. We spoke to the players after the game and said: 'It is time to roll our sleeves up, gentlemen, and man up.'"

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett on Clayton Donaldson: "He was trying to claim all three goals, but I don't think even Father Christmas would give him that.

"I think all the players worked hard, but he has a difficult role up there, on his own. He plays it as well as anyone, because he is mobile, he has the size to win headers and he does get goals. He does everything well and, even if he does not score, he deserves his place in the team."