Birmingham City player ratings vs Wrexham: 'Unbelievable' 9/10 but one 'idiotic' 5/10 in star-studded victory

The visitors took a surprise lead within three minutes through Jack Marriott but Birmingham fought back excellently and looked unstoppable for large stretches of the encounter. Roared on by 27,980 spectators at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Stansfield scored goals either side of half time before Tomoki Iwata thumped home from range to put the game beyond doubt.

Marriott’s early goal was a real wake-up call for the hosts as Chris Davies’ men had started tentatively, perhaps a little nervous given the extent of the occasion. Bailey Peacock-Farrell flapped at an inswinging corner from Tom O’Connor and the power on Marriott’s strike was enough to bundle the ball into the net.

Shouts on the touchline from Davies seemed to put the Birmingham players at ease after their shaky beginnings, as they eventually developed a rhythm and found an equaliser through Stansfield. The striker, whose arrival obliterated the League One transfer record three weeks ago, smashed into the net from close range after a low Alfie May shot was saved.

The hosts gained great momentum from their goal and dominated possession. A mix of patient build-up play and devastatingly quick counter-attacks made it very difficult for Wrexham to string many passes together whatsoever. As did the fluidity of Birmingham’s attackers with Stansfield, May, Willumsson and Hansson all chopping and changing between the lines.

It was level going into the break but it didn’t take long afterward for Stansfield to score yet again to put Blues 2-1 ahead, sending the home support into raptures. It was a brilliant goal as Alex Cochrane whipped in a peach of a delivery and Stansfield did excellently to nod the ball back across the six-yard box, leaving Arthur Okonkwo rooted.

Iwata then scored an absolute belter from outside the area to increase Birmingham’s advantage. The Japan international found space about 25 yards from goal and struck the ball beautifully, finding the bottom right corner via a flick off the post.

Wrexham were growing frustrated as Blues passed the ball around with a swagger and there was then quite the brawl. It all began when Paul Mullin pushed Cochrane’s leg away as both laid on the ground, before Keshi Anderson jumped in to his teammate’s aid. Both squads then scrapped in front of referee Scott Oldham, with Mullin, James McClean and Bielik all booked following the frenzy.

McClean was then subbed off and jeered the entire way around the field. The 103-time Republic of Ireland international was giving it back to the Blues fans, waving his arms and making offensive gestures for over 30 seconds.

The tensions spilled over even further as Bielik received a second yellow card, rightfully giving his marching orders for a cynical foul on Tom O’Connor. The captain lost his head quite frankly and he’ll now pay the price with a suspension.

Thankfully for Blues, they were already pretty out of sight by the time they went down to 10 men and could see out their 3-1 win to move up to second in League One, behind Wrexham on goal difference with a game in hand.

Birmingham City player ratings vs Wrexham

Here’s how BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the Blues players out of 10 on a memorable night at St Andrew’s.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell - 6

Flapped at the O’Connor corner that led to Marriott’s early opener, another mistake after several others in recent weeks. Tested often with his distribution and did decently, in fairness. Hardly had a save to make after Wrexham’s goal but claimed a few crosses well.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman - 7 (off 64’)

Looked out of his depth in the opening 15 minutes or so, prompting huge shouts from Davies. Improved a great deal from that point on, though, and was a big threat with his crosses from the right flank.

Christoph Klarer - 7

Formidable at the heart of defence, particularly when defending crosses. Booked for blatantly dragging down McClean in the first half, gaining widespread laughter.

Krystian Bielik - 5

Sent off for two idiotic yellow cards towards the end, one in a scrap with Mullin and the other for a cynical scissor challenge. It was a great shame as he had a decent game beforehand.

Alex Cochrane - 8

Showed of a great range of passing throughout and was rewarded for it as he assisted Stansfield’s second goal with an inch-perfect cross. It’s worth watching on repeat, it was that good. Chipped in with a few tackles and clearances.

Paik Seung-ho - 7

Assisted Iwata’s goal with a nice lay-off, not that he’ll be taking much credit for it! Hardly put a foot wrong with his passing, though, so it was deserved. Went close to scoring himself in the first half as he missed the target by a few inches. 

Tomoki Iwata - 8 (off 88’)

Scored a piledriver from outside the area to make it 3-1. Not a bad way to open his Blues account, and it was merited as he helped his team dominate possession for the most part with clever passing in between the lines.

Willum Willumsson - 7

Linked up the way effectively as a driving force in the centre and from inside right. The odd sloppy touch here and there.

Emil Hansson - 7 (off 72’)

Probably the least involved of Blues’ attacking players but still caused problems with the odd direct dribble towards Ryan Barnett and Eoghan O’Connell.

Jay Stansfield - 9 (off 72’)

The match winner with an unbelievable league return for Blues. Scored his first and second goals back at the club with the equaliser on the rebound and a terrific header to claim all three points. Deserved his goals as he pressed relentlessly throughout and made several superb runs.

Alfie May - 7 (off 64’)

Managed a couple of shots on target in the first half, including the vital low attempt saved for Stansfield to follow up for 1-1. Worked hard to defend from the front.

Subs:

Alfons Sampsted - 7 (on 64’)

Not as involved going forward as Gardner-Hickman was but was solid to see out Blues’ lead, especially when down to 10.

Lyndon Dykes - 7 (on 64’)

Squared a couple of dangerous low crosses into the area and threw himself about to offset O’Connor and O’Connell.

Keshi Anderson, Marc Leonard (on 72’) - N/A; Ben Davies (on 88’) - N/A.