Alex Dicken evaluates the Birmingham City players following their 1-0 victory over Preston North End.
Jay Stansfield scored the only goal to give Birmingham City an important 1-0 victory over Preston North End, boosting their chances of avoiding relegation.
The Fulham loan striker scored midway through the second half, capitalising on a Preston error to secure the Blues’ first win in eight games. A much-needed three points moves Blues up to 20th, above Plymouth Argyle, and brings a few teams within touching distance.
Rowett reinstated Koji Miyoshi to the starting lineup and gave Juninho Bacuna his first chance of the game. Miyoshi cut inside from the right and sent a superbly weighted pass for Bacuna to run onto, but the Curacao international blasted straight at North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. Jordan James’ promising attack ended with a long-range shot that went inches wide of the post.
Preston swiftly halted the Blues’ attempts and began to mount their own by the conclusion of the half. Blues might have trailed at halftime if Lee Buchanan hadn’t done an outstanding job of last-ditch defense.
Robbie Brady sneaked in ahead of Emanuel Aiwu and took John Ruddy out of the game with a square pass to Emil Riis. The Preston striker was about to tap in when Buchanan swooped in and knocked the ball away from the penalty spot.
And it was Buchanan who came closest to scoring in the first half, with a thunderous left-footed effort that clipped the outside post. The Blues were patient in their buildup through the thirds before Buchanan unleashed loose.
Blues began the second half hesitantly and required a dose of noise, which their supporters certainly provided on the hour. The Tilton increased the volume and sucked the ball into the net in the 68th minute.
Miyoshi turned defence into attack with a wonderful ball around the corner to Stansfield, and Preston defender Liam Lindsay’s unlucky fall gave Blues’ top scorer a golden opportunity. Stansfield sprinted away and slotted the ball under Woodman for his 11th goal of the season.
Andre Dozzell’s beautiful lobbed pass found Paik Seung-ho, who had the opportunity to double the Blues’ lead. Paik struggled to get the ball out of his feet within Preston’s six-yard box and was smothered by Woodman.
From that point forward, every header and clearance was met with a deafening applause inside St Andrews. Even a five-minute stoppage couldn’t damper the electrifying atmosphere. The final whistle triggered ecstatic scenes of jubilation on and off the field.
John Ruddy 7
The goalkeeper was a dominant and calming presence in the back, leading Blues to their eighth clean sheet of the season. Ruddy didn’t have any big saves to make and was mostly shielded by those in front of him.
Ethan Laird 7
Laird didn’t go forward much in a more conservative performance than we’ve grown accustomed to. He played solid defense and gave Brady little to work with.
Emanuel Aiwu 6
Aiwu was fortunate. Buchanan saved him after Brady exposed him in the first half. He was also judged wanting by Keane, but Blues escaped without penalty. Aiwu played brilliantly in the second half, assisting Blues to a rare clean sheet.
Dion Sanderson 8
The Blues captain has received his fair share of criticism as the squad has dropped down the table, but this was before Rooney arrived. Sanderson dominated from the start with a crushing challenge and guided Aiwu through some difficult moments.
Lee Buchanan 9
Buchanan made an outstanding effort at left back. Buchanan not only shut down the Blues’ left side, but he also saved a goal and hit the woodwork.
Krystian Bielik 8.
Rowett has streamlined Bielik’s job in midfield, and the Poland international has benefited from it. He was in a good position to put out flames, with Paik and James by his side.
Paik Seung-ho 7.
The midfielder was hardworking and energetic throughout. Paik demonstrated excellent touch in possession and was involved in the majority of Blues’ greatest moments.
Koji Miyoshi 8
Miyoshi made several outstanding passes in a strong performance and added another assist with a brilliant pass to Stansfield. In his first season in English football, the Japanese playmaker has scored 12 goals in all competitions.
Jordan James 6
James was the Blues’ least efficient attacking player in the first half and was replaced shortly after halftime. In an otherwise quiet exhibition, he fired one shot that went just wide from a distance.
Juninho Bacuna 7
Bacuna was a crucial outlet for the Blues’ assault. He tested Preston’s defence with a number of runs down the left wing.
Jay Stansfield 8.
When the match-deciding moment approached, we were all relieved to see Stansfield with the ball at his feet. Others would have panicked and rushed; Stansfield did the opposite and scored. Take the goal out of the equation, and Stansfield delivered a typically tireless performance, chasing balls that other forwards would consider lost causes.
