Flashback Friday: A good day for Birmingham City’s new signings, a bad day for the officials - again

When Lyle Taylor slotted in his second goal in as many games on the hour mark, it really looked like Blues were on their way to a big win over Sheffield United at St Andrew’s.

But a quick response from Billy Sharp followed by a controversial winner from Jayden Bogle meant Lee Bowyer’s men had gone from what at one stage could very well have been six points in two games to a mere one.

The highlight of the first-half was the whistles from those in attendance that were politely yet unsuccessfully met with a tannoy announcement telling them to stop.

And whist the second-half was an improvement in overall entertainment, it may well have been better off staying dull had it meant Blues came away with a point to their name.

Here’s Ben Ramsdale’s take on what was another disappointing evening at St Andrew’s.

Good day

Onel Hernandez

I can’t really speak highly enough of Hernandez. The man on loan from Norwich City is such a threat every time he gets on the ball and the Blades defence looked terrified of him.

His turn of pace is something I’ve spoken about previously but it’s a joy to watch. Blues haven’t had a player like him in a long time.

He was forced off with cramp in the final 10 minutes but it was just a reflection on how hard he had worked.

Lyle Taylor

Two goals in two games since his arrival from Nottingham Forest. Can’t really ask for a better goalscoring record than that from your striker.

It’s not just his goals either, his all round link-up play has been really good. He certainly looks the best out of the striking options at this moment in time.

Juninho Bacuna

Third good day and third of the new lads. You can’t fault Bowyer’s signings on that alone!

Bacuna, first half especially was very impressive. His touch and calmness on the ball in the middle of the park was great to watch and his ability to switch player with precision 50-yard passes opened Sheffield United up numerous times.

He faded as the game went on but like the majority of the new additions, he is lacking in game time so it’s expected.

Bad day

Teden Mengi

For me, it was Mengi’s worst game in a Blue shirt by some way.

Iliman Ndiaye gave him a torrid time and the Sheffield United writers near me were saying “wow, he’s having a shocker,” about the teenager.

But that’s the key word there, teenager. The Manchester United loanee is still 19-years-old and Blades game aside he’s probably been Birmingham’s best defender. He’s allowed to have an off day.

Ryan Woods

A poor night for Woods in the middle of the park who had little to no impact on the game.

He has played really well in recent weeks but there was a clear class difference between him and the Blades’ central midfielders across the 90 minutes.

If Woods is on it then Blues tend to win and when he’s not the outcome nine times out of ten is that of Friday evening.

Officials

It wasn’t just that offside call either which doesn’t need delving into more than it already has. The visitors were denied a clear penalty in the first-half. Paul Heckingbottom thought they should have had two but I can’t recall the other in fairness.

The referee was buying into all the time-wasting tactics from the Blades in stoppage time too. There was one occasion where Bogle threw himself to the floor and the linesman who was stood next to Bowyer laughed and according to the Blues boss said “I have no idea where he’s given that.” That’s what kind of night it was for them.

Turning point

Wes Foderingham save

Less than 60 seconds prior to Billy Sharp equalising for Sheffield United, Birmingham City very nearly went two in front.

They once again broke down the left hand side with Onel Hernandez. The Cuban found Juninho Bacuna who was just inside the box and his effort was well struck but well saved by Foderingham in the sticks.

The Blades equalised straight off the back of that save. Had Bacuna found the net it was probably game set and match.

Number of the day

98

Or 1998, if we’re being pedantic.

The 1998/99 season was the last time Blues completed a league double over the Blades and for all of three minutes that grim record looked to be coming to an end.

But it wasn’t to be. We go again next year.

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