LEEDS boss Thomas Christiansen admitted his side's 1-0 defeat at Birmingham was a "horrible game".

Jacques Maghoma's 83rd-minute goal settled a disappointing Championship encounter as Birmingham ended their recent depressing run of seven games without a win.

The rock-bottom Blues were indebted to a 74th-minute save by David Stockdale from Pablo Hernandez and prospered thanks to Maghoma's third goal of the season.

Christiansen said: "From my point of view, it was a horrible game. There were not many opportunities, with each goalkeeper making one good save.

"It was a difficult game as we were aware what the opponents would do, with Sam Gallagher their target man.

"The changes I made were logical in view of the danger that we thought Gallagher could create. I thought we needed more intensity.

"It was disappointing not to take three points. When it was goalless I thought it wouldn't be a bad result in the situation that existed.

"But I am very happy with the performances the team have produced in December, when we collected 16 points from a possible 21.

"It has been a very good month but against Birmingham it was not our day. We were aware that the opposition would be very dangerous, in view of where they are in the league."

Birmingham manager Steve Cotterill claimed his side's fortunes will change following their victory over promotion hopefuls Leeds.

The defiant Cotterill believes the Blues have a very good chance of staying up, despite still being bottom of the table even after Saturday's success.

"The season is only halfway through and we can build on that good performance," he said.

"I thought we got what we deserved for the 94 minutes. We were the better team and I am really pleased for the players.

"It was a big win and after 10 minutes' play I thought it was going to be a good day for us. There was a massive vibe around the ground from our fans and that was very important and why we got the performance we produced.

"Our support was fantastic and that really helped the players to go on and obtain the winning goal.

"The big difference against Leeds was that the ground was jumping. The players fed off that and it gave them the confidence to drive forward and not worry about making a mistake."

Yet Cotterill admitted: "We know where we are. We are still in trouble and we have to work hard to get up the table."