Player Ratings Vs. Northampton Town

One half of Birmingham City played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Northampton Town on Tuesday 21st of July. After signing a new contract last week, Demarai Gray scored what promises to be his first goal of many this season inside the opening few minutes to give Blues the lead.

However, after two superb finishes by Nicky Adams either side of the break, Gary Rowett`s men found themselves chasing the game and were rewarded for their efforts when Lee Novak latched onto a Mitch Hancox cross at the back post to make sure each side went home happy.

Down below are the player ratings for the game at Sixfields, including substitutions:

Legzdins 6- Once again, he commanded his box well but his positioning for both goals was a little lax. Could be in with a real shout for the number one spot still after yet another good performance.

Cogley 6- Looked good on the ball and in attacking positions. However, he got pushed off the ball far too easily and was weak at times in crucial defensive positions. Still a lot more to come from the young full back.

Morrison 5- Found it tough against a very good Ivan Toney up front for Northampton Town. Struggled in the air a little but when called upon was always there to clear the danger. Will have been disappointed to have conceded the two goals.

Robinson 5- Similar to his defensive partner, Morrison, Robinson found it difficult against Toney and was not really in the game much at all. Not one of his standout performances in a Birmingham City shirt.

Hancox 7- Provided the assist for the second goal with a delicious cross which was met by Novak. Looked very good coming forward and also fairly sturdy when called into action in his defensive areas.

Davis 5- Had a fairly quiet first half and was substituted at half time with a suspected injury. Was not in the game at all and looked out muscled in key situations.

Griffiths 6- Like Davis, Griffiths looked out of sorts in the centre of midfield but did have that extra urge to push forward. An injury cut his game short which was a shame as 90 minutes would have served him well.

Novak 8- Man of the Match! Another above average performance by Novak who now has two goals in three games so far this preseason. As Rowett was quoted on the official site “Novak is a very, very underrated player.” Worked hard to get forward and to cover when needed and looked like a new player heading into next season.

Shinnie 6- Did not really get into the game. Struggled to find space after the first 10 minutes but he did provide a lovely back heel in the build up to the first goal. Overall, not his best performance but also not his worst.

Gray 7- Scored inside the opening few minutes to put the visitors ahead but after that he struggled to make an impact on the game. He found space well but was not able to work the ball well enough in order to create more opportunities for his team mates or himself.

Mlapa 7- The triallist looked like a strong and powerful presence up front for the Blues and was unlucky not to score on a few occasions after hitting the bar halfway through the first half. Was less effective in the second half as his fitness deteriorated but hopefully he can be brought in on a permanent deal.

Substitutes:

Truslove 5- Came on for Davis at half time but failed to make any sort of impact on the game. He did make a few important interceptions but other than that, it was not really a memorable game for the young midfielder.

Crooks 7- Another triallist who looks very good. Replaced the injured Griffiths in the second half and showed quick feet in several different situations and provided some good passes to move play on quickly. One to watch out for in the future.

Johnstone 6- Replaced Shinnie after 25 minutes in the second half. Looked good in the air and was very unlucky not to score. Yet another one to watch out for should he be given his chance in the first team.

Solomon-Otabor 5- Similar to Truslove, SO failed to make any major impact on the game but his pace and trickery looked good at times. Given more opportunities, he could be another star.

Blues fans, were you at the game? If so, how do you think we performed against a strong Northampton side? Do you agree with my thoughts on how the players played? If not, let us know why in the comment section down below!

For more Birmingham City updates, follow me on Twitter: @Heslop96