Birmingham City were held to a 1-1 draw by League Two side Walsall in their opening group match of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, before losing out on penalties.
After a goalless first half, the Blues fell behind when former Birmingham midfielder Charlie Lakin struck early in the second half. Christopher Klarer salvaged a draw with a late equalizer, but Walsall triumphed in the ensuing penalty shootout, earning an extra point.
Blues manager John Eustace made several changes to his lineup, with key players rested and opportunities given to squad members. Despite this, Birmingham started brightly, with a chance coming early on when Jay Stansfield, their £15 million summer signing, forced a save from Walsall goalkeeper Sam Hornby after David Okagbue’s clearance was charged down.
Walsall grew into the game, creating a decent opportunity in the 27th minute, but Ryan Allsop comfortably saved it. The Blues had their chances, with Ayumu Yokoyama’s curled effort hitting the side netting just before halftime.
Birmingham’s slow start to the second half allowed Walsall to capitalize, with Lakin, a former Blues academy graduate, lashing home a shot to put the visitors ahead just three minutes after the restart.
Blues looked to respond and nearly equalized when Marc Leonard’s free-kick rattled the crossbar. Eustace introduced substitutes, including the promising Reyes Cleary, to inject fresh energy into the side.
As the match progressed, Birmingham ramped up the pressure. Alfie May and Tomoki Iwata both tested Hornby, but the Walsall keeper was in fine form, making crucial saves. However, Hornby was finally beaten in the 80th minute when Christopher Klarer smashed home from a corner to bring the Blues level.
Birmingham pushed for a winner as the clock ran down, with May again going close, but Hornby was equal to the task, denying him at the near post. Despite the late onslaught, Walsall’s resilient defence held firm, and the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, Walsall emerged victorious, leaving Birmingham with just one point from their opening match.
Birmingham (4-2-3-1): Ryan Allsop, Taylor Garnder-Hickman, Christoph Klarer, Ben Davies (Krystian Bielik 55), Brandon Khela (Alex Cochrane 54), Marc Leonard (Paik Seung-ho 55), Tomoki Iwata, Scott Wright (Lukas Jutkiewicz 76), Jay Stansfield, Ayumu Yokoyama, Emil Hansson, Alfie May (Captain).
Walsall (5-3-2): Sam Hornby, Connor Barrett, Evan Weir, David Okagbue, Harry Williams, Taylor Allen, Ryan Stirk (captain), Charlie Lakin, Rohan Maher (Reyes Cleary 69), Nathan Lowe (Jamille Matt 82), Jack Earing (Jamie Jellis 69).
Writer’s View
You have to love this competition. You never quite know what you’re going to get – will it be a reserve team from the League One outfit? Will new signings play? It’s a real mixed bag, and in fairness, Birmingham put out a strong side. Given the international break, it’s no real shock they went in hard, and yet Walsall stood firm.
The Saddlers earned their point with a battling display that will give them increased momentum in League Two this season. They looked less over-awed than some of the League One clubs the Blues have batted to one side, and that’s a credit to Mat Sadler, who is building something interesting at the Bescot.
This result won’t make a blind bit of difference to Birmingham’s assault on the League One title, but it’s fun, nonetheless.
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