Bolton 2 Birmingham 1

Birmingham may have endured a disappointing run-in with one win in 10 games but boss Alex McLeish believes that should not detract from a successful season.

Blues failed to end their campaign on a high after losing 2-1 at Bolton yesterday, after going two behind to goals from Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic with James McFadden's strike a mere reply.

It was still good enough for ninth place on goal difference, with McLeish's men boasting a better record than Blackburn, who got a one-goal win at Villa.

And the St Andrew's boss believes his side cannot have any disappointment with how their year has panned out.

He said: "We have been one of the lowest spenders in the league. To come from the Championship and finish ninth in the league is an amazing achievement. It feels like winning a cup.

"We have got to prove ourselves again next season. The players have been outstanding and risen to almost every challenge we have given them this year.

"Although I thought we capable of staying in the league, we have punched above our weight."

Bolton manager Owen Coyle named an unchanged side for the match at the Reebok Stadium following the narrow defeat by Tottenham. Coyle, who replaced Gary Megson in January, was looking for his team to finish on a winning note.

United States midfielder Stuart Holden was on the bench for the home side, after a two-month absence following a fractured fibula.

Birmingham made two changes from the team that defeated Burnley, with Stephen Carr and Michel replacing Stuart Parnaby and Christian Benitez.

The hosts made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute, from a free kick after Barry Ferguson had hauled back Jack Wilshere.

Paul Robinson deliveredinto the penalty area and Davies peeled away from Liam Ridgewell to send a header beyond goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Birmingham hit back and thought they had equalised in the 39th minute, when Sebastian Larsson released McFadden.

The Scotland international's shot came back off Jaaskelainen's chest only for the rebound to be knocked in.

But his joy soon turned to despair as referee Kevin Friend ruled it out for hand ball and promptly booked the player.

Bolton extended their lead in the 59th minute when Klasnic drilled the ball home from close range, after good skill from Vladmir Weiss. It was Klasnic's eighth goal for the club but could be his last game on loan from from French club Nantes.

Like Klasnic, Weiss has also been borrowed from Manchester City, but was given a standing ovation in the 66th minute when replaced by Lee Chung-Yong. Holden was also given a run-out to raise his hopes of appearing in the World Cup for the United States.

Substitute Christian Benitez should have pulled a goal back for Birmingham in the 73rd minute, but headed wide at the back post after a cross from Jerome.

Blues narrowed the gap three minutes later when Benitez went to ground under pressure from Paul Robinson.

Jaaskelainen blocked Benitez's penalty then kept out the rebound from Bowyer, only for McFadden to eventually find the net.