Birmingham City player ratings from Northampton draw: Three ‘horrendous’ 5/10s but two standout 8s

Birmingham City were held to a 1-1 draw away at Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon, unable to complete a comeback after Tomoki Iwata’s bizarre own goal broke the deadlock for the hosts. Keshi Anderson scored a superb header but it was only enough for a point as Blues failed to extend their advantage at the summit of the League One standings.

Northampton took a deserved early lead in the 17th minute as Birmingham midfielder Iwata skewed the ball into his own net after a flawed attempt to pass out from the back. The Cobblers pressed high, Ryan Allsop made a poor pass out and Iwata failed with a clearance, somehow scuffing the ball the wrong way and in off the post.

The home contingent of a record 7,947 attendance at Sixfields - aided by the full opening of the new LCS East Stand - were delighted by a sublime first-half performance from the Cobblers. Kevin Nolan’s side were by far the better in the first 45 as they caused Blues problems with deliveries from wide areas. In the minutes leading up to the opening goal, winger Cameron McGeehan went close with an audacious half-volley from 30 yards before attacker Sam Hoskins skimmed the top of the net with a dipping effort from outside the area.

Birmingham had much of the possession but looked rattled and were inefficient, especially in central areas. Northampton had the next big chance, too, as McGeehan beat Alex Cochrane for strength to head narrowly over the crossbar from a Mitch Pinnock cross.

But Anderson equalised with one of the final touches of the first half, heading clinically into the far top corner from a lofted Christoph Klarer cross from the right. It was very much against the run of play but Blues didn’t care as they levelled up proceedings.

Chris Davies’ side carried over some momentum into the second period as they upped the ante with more positive possession in the final third. Jay Stansfield had a great chance as Anderson split open Northampton’s defence with a pinpoint through ball but the shot, prodded past Lee Burge, bobbled narrowly wide of the far post. Iwata then went close to making amends for his own goal as he saw a deflected shot saved awkwardly by Burge.

Kieran Dowell was next to go near as the Rangers loanee’s 25-yard free-kick took a wicked deflection off the Northampton wall and nearly looped into the top corner. Willum Willumsson then knocked on the door, heading inches wide from a Dowell cross, before substitute Lukas Jutkiewicz fired over the bar with a powerful effort from a tight angle.

Northampton remained a threat on the transition as Tyler Magloire headed over from a deep cross, Dara Costelloe scuffed a close-range shot into the arms of Allsop and Ali Koiki leaned back to skew well high and wide.

There was a late flurry from Blues into eight minutes of stoppage time as Jutkiewicz headed into the arms of Burge, Alfie May’s deflected cross was tipped over the bar, May had a tame effort saved and Paik Seung-ho dribbled a shot just wide.

No winner could be sourced, however, with the spoils shared. Northampton become the first team to take points off Birmingham in both League One meetings this season.

Birmingham player ratings vs Northampton

Here’s how the Blues players rated out of 10 at Sixfields.

Ryan Allsop - 5

Should’ve cleared when he had the chance for Northampton’s opening goal, instead putting Iwata under pressure. Had a couple of other howlers with his distribution but they weren’t as costly.

Alfons Sampsted - 6 (off 86’)

Provided good width down the right as he pushed up higher than Cochrane on the opposite side. Showed good anticipation to get past the likes of Pinnock and McGowan on several occasions. Beaten by Pinnock down the other end a couple of times, however.

Christoph Klarer - 8

Assisted Anderson’s header with a terrific cross into the area, a cherry on the cake of another imperious, no-nonsense defensive display. Absorbed so much pressure throughout and will be disappointed a mix-up from his defensive counterparts cost a clean sheet.

Ben Davies - 7

Defended excellently throughout - especially in the first half - as he cleared away everything that came his way, whether that be with his head or a hoofed boot.

Alex Cochrane - 6

Dealt a lot better with the high press than others as he often played out of trouble. Wasn’t able to cross into the area with as much effect as usual, though.

Paik Seung-ho - 6

Not at his usual best as Blues struggled to break the lines in the first half but improved after the interval, drifting wide to the left to create space.

Tomoki Iwata - 5

Scored a horrendous own goal to gift Cobblers the lead but was one of Blues’ main creative forces in the second half. One sublime through ball to Anderson stood out.

Kieran Dowell - 7

The busier of Blues’ attacking midfielders as he crafted space on the half turn and and often found Sampsted on the overlap. Saw a decent free-kick attempt deflected wide and floated in a great cross for Willumsson late in the game.

Willum Willumsson - 5 (off 82’)

Struggled to make anything stick in the first 45 but improved after the break, linking up the play between the lines. Missed a huge chance as he headed wide.

Keshi Anderson - 8 (off 62’)

Scored an excellent header to equalise and threaded a beautiful pass through for Stansfield’s chance in the second half. A productive return to the starting XI.

Jay Stansfield - 6 (off 82’)

Hardly involved in the first half but improved in the second with some great runs into the channels. Went very close as he poked the ball past Burge but just wide. Booked for refusing to stand ten yards away from a free-kick.

Emil Hansson - 6 (on 62’)

Not as much of a threat as Anderson but did see one good shot blocked by McGowan.

Lukas Jutkiewicz - 6 (on 82’)

Got in some great areas but missed his two chances, firing one over and having a tame header saved.

Alfie May - 6 (on 82’)

Much like Jutkiewicz, May had his chances but couldn’t find the target.