City can top that says Eck; ENGLISH ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP.

BIRMINGHAM boss Alex McLeish watched his side maintain their 100 per cent record then warned: "We can only get better."

A 2-0 home win against Barnsley put City two points clear at the top as they made it nine points out of nine.

First-half goals from Kevin Phillips and Garry O'Connor did the trick but McLeish knows the heat is on after last season's relegation.

He said: "It was a satisfying three points as the pressure is on us playing at home.

"In terms of the points we have picked up I can't ask any more but I think we can get better."

Phillips made early pressure pay when he ghosted in at the far post in the 13th minute for his third goal in three games.

James McFadden fired wide before Scotland teammate O'Connor headed in from close range in 45 minutes.

Alan Irvine's Preston are joint second after Richard Chaplaw earned them a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.

Wolves are also on the seven-point mark thanks to a 2-0 win at Ipswich.

And Bristol City are the third side two points off the top after a crushing 3-0 win at Coventry, with Michael McIndoe a scorer.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle praised ex-Dundee keeper Julian Speroni after his side were held 0-0 at nine-man Crystal Palace who had James Scowcroft and Shaun Derry red-carded.

Coyle said: "Speroni made some top-class saves and we had a good goal chalked off."

Jason Scotland scored as Swansea won 1-0 at Paul Sturrock's Plymouth.

CAPTION(S):

McLeish: Start just perfect