Nicky Butt gave Birmingham a Premiership lifeline by heading a late winner to secure a 1-0 win over Fulham.
The on-loan Newcastle midfielder stooped to deflect the ball past Mark Crossley from close range after Emile Heskey had turned a cross from substitute Jamie Clapham into his path.
It ended a miserable run of just one point from the previous seven games at St Andrews and the final whistle was greeted with wild scenes of joy from the 27,000 crowd.
The home side dominated the final 45 minutes and looked like they would rue Heskey, Clemence and Butt all failing to convert decent headed opportunities - but then came Butt's vital contribution.
Heskey caused problems throughout, leading the line effectively, while David Dunn caused problems from the centre of the park but there was an overall improvement from all the Blues players including Butt.
Fulham showed plenty of resilience with Zat Knight impressive at the back but they are still searching for their first away win of 2005-2006 and remain on the fringe of the relegation zone.
Fulham had shown their resilience in the goalless draw at West Brom last weekend after being reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Luis Boa Morte and they were again tough to break down.
In a rare counter-attack a fine pass from recalled Fulham defender Zat Knight played in Thomasz Radzinski behind the home defence and Blues skipper Kenny Cunningham had to come across to cover.
Fulham started to come more into the game and a free-kick from Liam Rosenoir picked out Knight on the edge of the Blues box but his first time effort flew well wide.
It was 25 minutes before the first semblance of a chance fell to Fulham striker Brian McBride.
Malbranque found Radzinski in space on the left and his cross picked out McBride but he was unable to get on top of the ball and directed his header over the bar.
Heskey was being given little in the way of support and Dunn, who was supposed to be Birmingham's second striker, was doing his best work in the middle third of the park.
Heskey had Birmingham's best chance after 57 minutes when he made a perfectly timed run to reach Dunn's left-wing centre but he sent his header straight at Crossley.
The impressive Clemence had a chance to become the Blues hero but he sent his header straight at Crossley from Heskey's centre but then Butt struck with six minutes remaining.
