Player Ratings Vs. Kidderminster Harriers

Birmingham City played out a 1-1 draw in their second game of preseason against a plucky Kidderminster Harriers. The home side provided Gary Rowett`s men with a much tougher test than Nuneaton did on Tuesday night.

Here are my views on how I feel the players performed in the early kick off at the Aggborough stadium in front of just over 2800 fans.

First half side-

Legzdins: 7

The former Derby County shot stopper looked very comfortable in his area. He looked commanding and he read certain situations very well. Despite not really being tested in either game so far, it does look as though Legzdins is here to fight for first team football.

Eardley: 6

Looked very good down the right side. He was good at venturing forward and was always there to offer support for Cotterill if he needed it. However, it still does not look as though he has the quality to knock Paul Caddis off his perch.

Spector: 5

Really struggled at the heart of defence against a powerful striker. As a matter of opinion, he looked more interested in the personal wrestling match that was going on between himself and the Kiddy striker than he did in the actual match. Poor performance from the USA international.

Robinson: 6

Looked comfortable as ever. He was composed on the ball, challenged for everything on the floor and in the air and gave 100% commitment as he always does. Another solid performance from the captain.

Grounds: 6

Similar to his performance on Tuesday night, Grounds looked confident with every aspect in the first half. However, there were a few times were he failed to clear the ball when he needed to but other than that, I cannot really fault his performance.

Davis: 7

Yet another solid performance by David Davis. He strode forward with purpose and intent which is something we never really saw last season. Davis also won most 50/50 tackles in the centre of midfield and looked as though he was ready to staple down his spot on the team sheet for the Reading game on the 8th of August.

Brown: 7

Similar to Davis, he looked good with the ball and without it but unfortunately, he was knocked off it to easily so I think a bit of work in the gym is needed for Reece. If he becomes stronger, he will be a great option this season.

Cotterill: 6

The Welshman looked menacing in the first half. Some good wing play as well as some good deliveries which were missing on Tuesday against Nuneaton. Hopefully today was a sign of better things to come from Cotterill.

Shinnie: 6

Found space just off Novak very well as he did for the best part of last season. However, he was unable to build on his goal which he scored on Tuesday night but things look promising for Shinnie this year.

Gray: 7

After signing a new three year deal on Tuesday, Gray looks ready to push on and after his performance against Harriers I can certainly see why he has been so positive in his interviews. It looks as though Demarai will play a huge part in how well Blues do next season.

Novak: 6

Despite finding the target a few times and trying a spectacular over head kick which nearly found the top corner, Novak did not really make himself known in the game. However, I still think he has a lot more to offer and he could be the surprise package this season.

Second half side-

Kuszczak: 5

The big pole looked unstable with the ball at his feet. He gave the goal away by practically passing it to the Kidderminster player and was beaten far too easily for a big man. However, he commanded his area well and claimed the ball when he could.

Caddis: 7

Once again looked solid at right back. He was an attacking force and very rarely put a foot wrong in the game. Caddis looks set for yet another good season with BCFC.

Lowry: 8

The unknown traillist turns out to be the saviour of the day! A thumping header saves the blushes of the Blues! The ex-Villa defender looked like he could be a great addition to the side. He won all of his aerial battles and besides a few miss hit long passes, he looked like a good partner for Morrison.

Morrison: 7

Similar to Lowry, Morrison barely put a foot wrong against Kiddy and he will have been disappointed not to keep a clean sheet. He looks like he will have a massive season in a Blues shirt.

Hancox: 6

The young left back looked good going forward as well as defensively but similar to Eardley, no matter how well he plays, I just do not believe that he will be able to knock Grounds out of his starting place but he looks like a great prospect.

Gleeson: 6

Lacked any real attacking intent against Harries compared to his drive on Tuesday night but having said that, his range of passing was once again superb and Gleeson looked as though he was starting to find his best form again.

Griffiths: 9

Man of the Match! The former Perth Glory midfielder looked outstanding in midfielder and I presume he will be offered a contract very soon. With Rowett admitting defeat in his pursuit of Robert Tesche, Griffiths looks like a direct replacement and after his performance on Saturday, he certainly deserves to be given a contract.

Arthur: 7

Looked a lot better than he did against Nuneaton. He was stronger and had more about him when he was charging forward. The end product was better and he looked more at ease in the game than he did on Tuesday. It will be interesting to see how well he plays over the next few games when it is 90 minutes instead of 45.

Maghoma: 6

Pace is a really good trait for Maghoma but he only used it effectively once against Kiddy and it nearly resulted in a goal. Personally I believe he needs to use his pace to get past defenders and then we will see why Rowett has brought him in.

Thomas: 6

Played just off Donaldson and did not really look very comfortable in that role. However, he did hold the ball up very well and was always in support of Clayton. I do still think he is an out and out striker rather than somebody who plays just off the main striker.

Donaldson: 7

Held the ball up excellently against a back four which did themselves proud! Should have really scored the winner in the last few minutes from yards out but he struck his effort right at the keeper. I think he, like others in the second half side, will play a huge part in the success that Blues might have this coming campaign.

Blues fans, were you there on Saturday? Let us know if you agree with the player ratings! If you do not agree, let us know why in the comment section down below!