Relegated Sheffield United fell to defeat at home to Birmingham City on the opening weekend of the 2021-22 EFL Championship season.
Maxime Colin scored the only goal of the game after 19 minutes when the defender headed home from Jeremie Bela’s cross to the back post.
The Blades came close to equalising immediately but for Oliver Burke’s low drive coming back off the near post.
New Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic threw on strikers Oli McBurnie, Rhian Brewster and Billy Sharp in the second half but failed to break down a resolute and organised Blues side.
Birmingham had opportunities to put the game to bed in the second half but Scott Hogan hooked over from six yards.
Colin had a second header disallowed after the break when Jutkiewicz was adjudged to have pushed Ben Osborn inside the Sheffield United penalty area.
Lee Bowyer, who was installed as manager at Birmingham towards the end of last season has seen him win six of his first 11 games in charge.
Among the exciting performances for the West Midlands’ club was Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong.
Sheffield United are next in action on Tuesday night when they host host League Two Carlisle United in the EFL Cup, while the Blues also face fourth tier opposition when they entertain Colchester United at the same time.
