Birmingham City vs Walsall Player Ratings: Paik and James shine as May sort it out

Birmingham City continued their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Walsall thanks to a goal from Alfie May.

May scored the only goal at the Poundland Bescot Stadium as the Blues made it four wins in a row in pre-season. Chris Davies’ side have beaten Walsall, Rangers, Shrewsbury and Solihull Moors since their heavy defeat to SC Paderborn 07 in Austria.

Walsall caught the Blues napping early with a quick counter-attack down the right through Josh Gordon. Gordon picked out Charlie Lakin at the far post and the former Blues midfielder forced Bailey Peacock-Farrell into a double save. Peacock-Farrell had no right to deny Lakin at the second attempt, but he showed brilliant reactions.

The Blues dominated the ball but created very little of note. Ethan Laird headed home midway through the first half after a clever corner routine set up Jordan James to cross.

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Well, Walsall almost gifted the Blues their first goal when Connor Barrett misjudged a header back at his keeper. May pounced on Tommy Simkin but Walsall defender Oisin McEntee pounced to clear the line to ensure the scores were level at half-time.

How Siriki Dembele didn’t give the Blues the lead within two minutes of the restart, no one will ever know. He rounded Simkin but, with only the goal to find, Dembele hit the foot of the post.

Peacock-Farrell made another smart double save from Jamie Jellis and Ryan Stirk at the other end soon after. The keeper came to the Blues’ rescue after they were awarded possession when they tried to play from the back.

Incisive play from Koji Miyoshi to find space in behind Walsall’s midfield and flick a pass to James created the Blues’ opener. James pulled the ball for May to deflect it past Simkin.

May almost scored a second shortly after with a shot from 18 yards that hit the foot of the post. The 31-year-old forward describes himself as “a little pest” and didn’t give Walsall’s defenders a moment’s peace.

Walsall could not muster a response to a dominant performance from the Blues in the second half. Now for next week’s Reading dress rehearsal against West Bromwich Albion.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell 7

The goalkeeper seems to be closing in on the number one spot and made two very good double saves against Walsall. The second stop from Lakin showed superb reactions.

Ethan Laird 7

Laird bounced forward all afternoon and worked his way into some great positions to cross. Once Laird adjusts his pass selection in the final third, the assists will flow.

Krystian Bielik 6

Bielik showed his ability in the first half to simultaneously control the ball with his chest and catch his falling gumshiel. The Pole continues to wear the captain’s armband and looks perfect for a centre-back role in Davies’ system.

Dion Sanderson 6

Sanderson missed a couple of long balls in the first half, which is unlike him, but he cleaned up in possession after the break and dominated Josh Gordon in the air.

Alex Cochrane 6

The left-back seems to have moved on from Lee Buchanan and performed well at Walsall. Cochrane switched between the left side of defense and left central midfield in possession and used the ball intelligently.

Paik Seung-ho 7.5*

Paik shouldn’t be close to League One with his ability, but the South Korean is on course to start the season with the Blues. Every touch is classy and he has such a range of passes in his arsenal.

Jordan James 7.5

While James is not as easy on the eye as Paik, he has the ability to run beyond the midfield defense. James showed his running power to set up May’s goal.

Koji Miyoshi 7

Davies has given Miyoshi so much freedom to roam the midfield where he can combine with like-minded footballers. Miyoshi’s awareness was shown for the goal as she returned to space and played in James to help May.

Willum Willumsson 6

A mixed bag from the big Icelander who was not at all comfortable in possession but was effective at times. Willumsson is another type of number 10.

Siriki Dembele 6

Dembele should have given the Blues the lead early in the second half with his audition to slot Emil Hansson into the left lane. He didn’t have it all to himself against Barrett, but you can’t deny Dembele’s talent in possession.

Alfie May 7

St Andrew’s will absolutely adore Alfie May. In addition to another well-taken goal, May harassed and squeezed the Walsall defense with a tireless display. He was unlucky not to score another two at Walsall.

SUB

Brandon Khela (for Laird, 77) N/A

Briar Bateman (for May, 88) N/A

Unused: Mayo, Home

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