Birmingham City 1-1 Walsall RECAP as Blues suffer penalties defeat in EFL Trophy
Blues' match with Exeter City this weekend may be off because of international call-ups, but they're still in action this week as they compete in a competition for the first time in 20 years. Birmingham's last involvement in the EFL Trophy saw them defeat Carlisle United, and it all began in the group stage with Walsall.
A 3-0 win for Birmingham against the Saddlers in October 1994 saw them top the group after they defeated Peterborough United 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller a few weeks earlier. Birmingham and Walsall haven’t played competitively against one another since December 2001, and that resulted in a 1-0 win for Blues that day.
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Hide AdThe overall record between Birmingham and Walsall is 20 wins for Blues, three draws and six victories for Walsall. Birmingham have a three game winning run against Walsall right now, and their last win at the home of Birmingham came in January 1992.
In the present day, both sides have started their respective league campaigns in a fashionable manner. Birmingham of course are yet to taste defeat to any of their league rivals, and the only points they dropped were to Reading on the opening day of the campaign. Walsall are second and from their opening four games, they've picked up nine points from a possible 12, tasting just one league defeat.
Walsall and Birmingham City did some business towards the end of the transfer window with George Hall heading on loan to the Bescot Stadium. Hall was reportedly subject of interest from Blackburn Rovers, but there is a hope now that having been dealt a few hamstring injuries last season, he can overcome his injury worries, assert himself in the Walsall first-team and come back a better player.
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Birmingham City v Walsall LIVE
Thanks for joining us this evening. A shame no win for Birmingham, but at least a point is on the board.
There was no other game in the group this evening with Fulham's under-21s beating Shrewsbury 2-1 in mid-August. Every team has played once now and right now the Premier League side are top of the group.
It’s on Alfie May to keep Birmingham alive in the shootout...
He steps up, but Sam Hornby saves with his leg. Walsall win on penalties
Birmingham OOXOX
Walsall OOXOO
Walsall score their fifth penalty and now it’s on Birmingham to score. Reyes Cleary sends Ryan Allsop the other way.
Birmingham OOXO
Walsall OOXOO
The Walsall fans chant ‘£20m you’re having a laugh’ but Jay Stansfield doesn’t care as he dispatches his spot kick.
Sam Hornby gets a touch but he can’t keep the ball from hitting the back of the net.
Birmingham OOXO
Walsall OOXO
Jamie Jellis puts it in to the top corner and it’s a lovely penalty. 3-2 now to Walsall.
Birmingham OOX
Walsall OOXO
Birmingham City fail to take advantage of Matt’s miss and Paik Seung-ho’s effort is saved low by Hornby.
Birmingham OOX
Walsall OOX
Walsall’s third penalty is taken by substitute Jamille Matt, but his effort is saved! It’s straight at Allsop who tips it over the bar.
Birmingham OO
Walsall OOX
Lukas Juktkiewicz ties things up! He powers the ball home with the keeper going the other way, and maybe even two keepers wouldn’t have saved that.
Birmingham OO
Walsall OO
Walsall’s second penalty of the evening is converted. Charlie Lakin hits the net for the second time. Ryan Allsop guesses the right way, but no saving that one.
Birmingham O
Walsall OO
Birmingham City level things up on penalties as Bielik strikes his penalty well. He hits his attempt right in to the top hand corner.
Birmingham O
Walsall O
Up first is Walsall with Taylor Allen to take...
Allen steps up and goes powerful, slotting in to the left-hand corner of the goal.
Birmingham
Walsall O
87’
Almost an own goal as Emil Hansson’s cross causes some problems, and it takes a touch off a Walsall players’ legs and nearly deflects in to his own net.
Birmingham finishing the game strongly.
85’
Alfie May finds himself in a tight angle but he can power a shot low at Sam Hornby who dives down to block.
GOOOOOAL!
84’
Christoph Klarer wins the initial header, and then on the second attempt he can lace a shot home.
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