Birmingham City secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Solihull Moors in their second pre-season friendly at The ARMCO Arena, retaining the Arthur Cup for the fourth consecutive season. The charity match, held in memory of young Bluenose Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, saw goals from August Priske, an own goal by Matty Carson, and a late strike from Demarai Gray.
First Half Dominance
Blues took the lead inside three minutes when August Priske headed home a left-wing free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, Briar Bateman won a penalty shortly after by breaking the offside trap and being fouled, allowing Priske to convert confidently down the middle. Despite a rampant start, the first half became scrappy, with Taylor Gardner-Hickman's 20-yard shot over the bar being the only other notable chance.
Second Half Control
The second half saw Blues double their lead quickly. Alex Cochrane's dangerous cross deflected off Moors defender Matty Carson for an own goal. Before that, Carlos Vicente and Kanya Fujimoto were denied by goalkeeper Nat Ford. Demarai Gray, playing as a striker, created several chances, setting up Vicente for a close-range miss. Gray capped the performance with a solo goal in stoppage time, dribbling past two defenders and firing into the far corner.
Player Ratings
First Half XI (4-2-3-1): Allsop (6), Osayi-Samuel (6), Neumann (6), Klarer (6), Buchanan (6); Gardner-Hickman (6), Iwata (7); Wright (6), Da Silva (6), Bateman (7); Priske (6.5)
Ryan Allsop (6) was shaky in possession early on. Bright Osayi-Samuel (6) galloped forward more than in Friday's friendly. Phil Neumann (6) defended well but missed target with long balls. Christoph Klarer (6) marshalled the defence to a clean sheet. Lee Buchanan (6) was tidy and got forward. Taylor Gardner-Hickman (6) played deep and started attacks. Tomoki Iwata (7) was excellent at recycling possession and filling spaces. Briar Bateman (7) was lively, winning the penalty and testing the goalkeeper. Alejandro Da Silva (6) showed eagerness but execution wasn't perfect. Scott Wright (6) had energetic moments. August Priske (6.5) threatened goal and converted the penalty.
Second Half XI (4-2-3-1): Mayo (6); Thompson-Jones (6), Fry (6), Robinson (6), Cochrane (6); Solis (7), Maddox (6.5); Vicente (7), Fujimoto (6), Bamba (6); Gray (7.5)
Brad Mayo (6) had a quiet night. Riquelme Thompson-Jones (6) showed determination to recover position. Dael Fry (6) displayed precise passing. Jack Robinson (6) looked assured. Alex Cochrane (6) had freedom to join attacks. Jhon Solis (7) bulldozed through midfield and saw a shot deflect wide. Cobi Maddox (6.5) turned out of trouble intelligently. Carlos Vicente (7) helped win the corner for the second goal but missed a sitter. Kanya Fujimoto (6) couldn't add to his assists. Salif Bamba (6) hugged the touchline and tracked back. Demarai Gray (7.5) was excellent as a striker, creating chances and scoring a solo goal.
Youth Promise
Briar Bateman impressed with his pace and skill, winning the penalty and testing the goalkeeper. Manager Chris Davies has not handed out a league debut in two seasons, but teenagers like Bateman and Thompson-Jones are closing the gap through pre-season performances. Bateman's display was his most exciting to date, and he could push for first-team opportunities.
