Birmingham City player ratings vs Shrewsbury Town as 'real nuisance' stands out in easy win

Chris Davies' men rewarded the 3,000 strong faithful that made the trip to Shropshire with a perfect response to Saturday's disappointing defeat to Charlton Athletic. Scott Wright scored twice in between Tomoki Iwata's effort, before Emil Hansson scored in the second-half to give Blues a convincing 4-0 win against the Shrews.

Birmingham face Fulham's under-21s at the end of October, whilst Walsall face Shrewsbury in mid-November, but a draw against the Cottagers will at least guarantee them a place in the Round of 32.

The visitors started on the front foot as Alfie May put in a cross that had to be palmed away by Toby Savin. A few minutes later, Dion Sanderson found Ayumu Yokoyama with a brilliant cross-field ball, and he let fly with a flow strike that Savin saved.

Blues made the most of their positive start as they pulled ahead inside 10 minutes. As the ball pinballed in the six-yard box after Yokoyama and Keshi Anderson’s shots were blocked, Shrewsbury failed to clear their lines, and Wright scored from a few yards out.

Birmingham should have doubled their advantage a few minutes later as Cochrane found Taylor Gardner-Hickman who whistled his effort just wide after hitting a first-time volley.

Shrewsbury nearly pulled level but for some last-gasp defending. Leo Castledine headed at goal and John Marquis was blocked by Sanderson and Davies on the goal line.

Birmingham City doubled their lead before the hour mark after surviving that scare. A well-crafted goal began with Sanderson cutting through the Shrewsbury defence with a side-splitting ball to Wright, and he pulled it back for Iwata to score with an emphatic finish.

A third goal came 10 minutes before half-time who profited from a defensive error. Wright exchanged passes with Alfie May, and Keshi Anderson before Wright struck home with an effort under the goalkeeper.

Shrewsbury had the ball in the net with a powerfully swept effort from Castledine but Marquis was adjudged to have interfered with play from an offside position. Neither team added to the score line as Birmingham finished the half firmly on top.

The hosts rung the changes at the break, and that gave them a bit of momentum. Sanderson was dispossessed on halfway, and Charles Sagoe Jr forced a save out of Allsop, who tried to beat him with a low shot.

Birmingham pressed home their advantage as they started play positively following Emil Hansson scored with his first touch after being introduced for Yokoyama. Brandon Khela’s laced shot was palmed right in to the path on to the post by Savin, but Hansson was on hand to score on the rebound.

Shrewsbury tried to lay a glove on Birmingham, but Allsop was unchallenged in goal, and was able to keep his clean sheet intact.

Birmingham City player ratings versus Shrewsbury Town

Ryan Allsop - 7

A few nervy moments from crosses to start off with, but he composed himself well, and made a couple of good saves when he was forced in to action.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman - 7

His passing was spot on. He perhaps should have got on the score sheet.

Alex Cochrane (subbed off, 82) - 6

Shrewsbury’s chances came from Cochrane’s side, but he dealt well with most of their attacks.

Tomoki Iwata - (subbed off, 46) - 7

Took his goal really well. Struck it with some power and accuracy. Picked up a knock during the first-half, and didn’t emerge for the second period.

Dion Sanderson (subbed off, 69) - 7

An inch-perfect pass for Wright to set up Iwata. Brilliant block on the goal line too. Did well in what was his first appearance for the senior team in a month-and-a-half.

Ben Davies - 7

He and Sanderson had a moment in the first-half in which they covered Allsop’s goal and denied Marquis an almost certain goal.

Scott Wright - 9 (Star Player)

Wright place at the right time, if you pardon the pun. He took both of his goals well, and has given Chris Davies food for thought for their next league game. A real nuisance for the opposition.

Marc Leonard - 6

Booked just after the hour mark.

Alfie May (subbed off, 76) - 6

A few half moments for the captain, but no real opportunities.

Keshi Anderson - 7

A licence to roam a little bit during the game. Unlucky not to get on the score sheet for the first goal, and then set him up for the third.

Ayumu Yokoyama (subbed off, 69) - 6

Started the game with some intensity, and had a bit of joy down his flank.

Brandon Khela (subbed on, 46) - 6

Unlucky not to score as his shot hit the post, but at least Hansson finished. Picked up a yellow card.

Emil Hansson (subbed on, 69) - 7

An immediate impact after his introduction. Took his goal well.

Christoph Klarer (subbed on, 69) - 6

Yellow carded after a foul moments after Hansson’s goal.

Lukas Jutkiewicz (subbed on, 76) - 6

Josh Williams (subbed on, 82) - N/A