Birmingham continued their charge towards the League One title by thumping Shrewsbury Town in Michael Appleton’s first game in charge of Salop.
Records
Along with the League One title, the Blues will be eyeing up the points record for this division. That feat is currently held by their West Midlands neighbours Wolves, who racked up 103 points over a decade ago. But with their current trajectory, Chris Davies’ side are on course to exceed that tally by four points, averaging a remarkable 2.32 points per game.
Today was the first of eleven games in 36 games, including the EFL Trophy Final in fifteen days time. Only three of their remaining nine league outings are at home, a place where they have won seventeen of their twenty league games this term.
With nine wins in a row at St. Andrews, they can be confident of avoiding a loss against Barnsley in seven days time. That would see the Blues surpass the 365 day mark since their last home loss by the time they are next in action in the West Midlands.
Blues At Their Best
The Blues passed up numerous chance in the opening period before Ben Davies put them infront, sliding in Kieran Dowell’s free-kick. Their second had a similar feel, Marc Leonard capping an impressive display with an assist to find the unmarked Ethan Laird to head home.
Alfie May came off the bench to end his goal drought, linking up with fellow substitute Emil Hansson to make it three. Nine minutes later, May raced onto Luke Harris’ through ball to round Jamal Blackman and complete the rout.
Salop Struggles
In a weird quirk of fate, Shrewsbury faced Birmingham after an international break for the second time this season, both with new men in the dugout. But unlike his predecessor Gareth Ainsworth, who joined Gillingham this week, Appleton couldn’t replicate the thrilling 3-2 victory back in November.
This was also the second time that Salop had shipped four goals against the Blues this term, having been well-beaten in the EFL Trophy Group Stages. They did though get on the scoresheet this time, as Vadaine Oliver headed in on the line after Jordan Shipley dug out the cross.
Not only was this game top vs bottom, Salop also have the worst away record in terms of wins (2) and points (10) in the third tier. Therefore, getting a result against the best home side in League One was always going to be incredibly difficult, which is exactly how it transpired. Though gaping holes in their backline and a failure to track men at corners were ruthlessly punished by their high-flying opponents.
Writer’s View
The gulf between these sides will almost certainly be two divisions next season, which was apparent on the pitch. Some of the Blues interchange was a joy to watch, while the Shrews just couldn’t cope. This will be their toughest test for quite some time though, as they prepare for life back in the fourth tier.
