Birmingham City were narrowly beaten in a behind closed doors friendly against a Benfica B team. The match included many of the players who did not feature against Burton, including Canadian international, David Edgar.
Blues had a bright first half, but it was Benfica who struck with a great goal from Joao Carvalho in the 16th minute. Although, being critical, there was not enough pressure on the shot-taker.
Koby Arthur was the man who threatened most for Blues, in an impressive display. His ability to beat the man in-front of him is an obvious similarity to Demarai Gray and even Nathan Redmond, I’m sure we’ll see more of him this season.
Mitch Hancox had a crack at goal from 35 yards that brought a good save from the oppositions stopper. He was to be replaced on the 74th minute for Alex Jones, who went upfront, moving trialist Devante Cole to the left.
The second half was very much Benfica’s game, a product of their possession style play eventually bearing control over Blues. Robinson had a chance to steer it home after a half clearance, he couldn’t find the net.
Perhaps the missed chance is an example of how it is more productive to hand in-swinging corners instead of Cotterill taking it either side. A left footed corner from the right hand side means a slight glance finds itself going goal-wards instead of away from goal.
These friendly games are about learning lessons and this game certainly represented a different kind of opponent that Birmingham will have to deal with over the coming season. The Blues were well in this game and find themselves on the end of an unfortunate defeat.
Birmingham’s pre-season hasn’t exactly gone to plan in terms of results, but it is no doubt serving its purpose in aiding Gary Rowett in the selection process.
The coming weeks will be about the final preparations in terms of fitness and the preferred line-up for August 8th.
Blues XI: Legzdins, Eardley, Lowry, Edgar, Robinson, Cooper (Crooks 61), Brown, Cotterill, Arthur, Hancox (Jones 74), Cole.
unused: O’Neill, Trueman, Cogley, Bernard, Solomon-Otabor
Vital Birmingham credit the author and owner of this work as Birmingham City Football Club
