Here are my reflections on the Solihull Moors vs Birmingham City XI friendly.

1) An enjoyable game

This was the fourth pre-season friendly I’ve managed to get to (two first team and two reserve) and it was probably only rivalled by Saturday’s game against Everton for being enjoyable. Whilst Blues lined up with just one forward (former Chelsea academy player Bobby Devyne), like the Everton game they pressed forwards whenever they got the ball, looking to get in behind the Solihull Moors’ defence.

2) Alpa Ozturk and Luke Hubbins

In quite a strange tactical move from Blues, right winger Luke Hubbins slotted into the full back role like he did when I saw him against Worcester City, and right back Alpa Ozturk played the right midfield role. It actually paid dividends quickly, as Hubbins burst forwards from the right back slot to force a corner, from which Alpa scored with a good header. The two interchanged well and caused no end of problems to the Solihull Moors left back Andre Francis – a player who I’ve seen before and is certainly no mug. Both players have pro contracts and I can see Alpa maybe making the step up to first team if he keeps progressing at the rate he has been over the last twelve months.

3) Eddy Gnahore and Brice Ntambwe

I’ve often been complimentary of Ntambwe and Gnahore; both of whom are tall, hulking midfield players who take no prisoners on the pitch. Gnahore again was in top form; very combative in the middle and making the most of a poor error from the Solihull Moors defence to score what turned out to be the winner. Ntambwe looked useful again; like Gnahore he was snapping away at the Moors midfield and showed some nice touches and a good range of passing.

4) Sam Beasant

I sincerely hope Blues offer the trialist keeper Beasant some sort of contract; his shot stopping tonight was just immense, saving two certain goals with excellent blocks in one on one situations. His kicking is pretty good; barring one incident he controlled his area well and seems fairly confident coming for crosses. I think he could push for the third keeper slot against Jack Butland quite comfortably.

5) Mitch Hancox

Mitch had a quiet game by his normally high standards, although he showed once again he’s not afraid to mix it, going in with some really meaty challenges and not bottling it when a Solihull Moors player pretty much rugby tackled him to the floor. Like Hubbins on the right, Mitch tried to get forwards although I don’t think he linked up as well with former Baggie trainee Akil Grier.

Final Score Solihull Moors 1 (Adkins) v Birmingham City XI 2 (Ozturk, Gnahore)

Birmingham City XI (4-5-1)
Beasant; Hubbins (Gascoigne), Kerr, Hutchinson, Hancox; Ozturk, Ntambwe, Packwood, Gnahore, Grier (Hales); Devyne (Newell)

Tags: Akil Grier, Alpaslan Ozturk, Brice Ntambwe, Eddy Gnahore, Luke Hubbins, Mitchell Hancox, Sam Beasant, Solihull Moors