Birmingham City suffered their first defeat of the season at Sheffield Wednesday.

A year ago to the day, Blues lost 3-1 at Middlesbrough on their return from their Europa League play-off.

They had drawn on Madeira against CD Nacional three days earlier. The trip to the Riverside was a sobering one.

Blues took the lead through an Adam Rooney penalty but were then put to the sword in the second-half by Boro.

It was their second successive away defeat of the new campaign under Chris Hughton.

After the memorable 3-0 victory over the Portuguese in the return leg, Blues went to Watford – their destination on Saturday evening (5.20pm).

They looked to have won it, thanks to an 88th minute Chris Wood goal. But an error by Boaz Myhill allowed old boy Martin Taylor to nod in the equaliser.

It was a stuttering start in the Championship for Blues to say the least. And a year down the line, it’s happening again.

Lee Clark’s side have had two very poor opening halves, against Charlton Athletic and Wednesday.

They have not fired properly and, like in that Watford match, a goalkeeper error has cost them.

Jack Butland’s inability to catch a cross resulted in Reda Johnson nodding Wednesday’s opening goal on Tuesday night.

The point is that Blues were unable to hit the ground running last season. They have not hit the ground running this season. A new manager and new players are still being assimilated. They have yet to find what suits and what works.

Charlton and Wednesday, the two sides automatically promoted from League One last season, were both assured, comparatively settled and had their tails up, back in the Championship.

In many ways, Blues could have done with playing them when they were not as bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Clark admitted that his tinkering with the formation at Hillsborough backfired.

He went with five in the middle of the park but the hosts ran rings round Blues.