Birmingham City player ratings as Stansfield and Dowell star in Cambridge demolition
Birmingham City routed Cambridge United 4-0 at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park to extend their lead at the top of League One to seven points.
Blues battered League One’s basement side and ensured it was a miserable return to the Second City for ex-manager Garry Monk. Jay Stansfield (pen), Liam Bennett (OG) and Kieran Dowell put Blues in full control at half-time before substitute Luke Harris added the fourth late on.
Blues never looked in danger of not getting maximum points and probed for 20 minutes before Ethan Laird put his foot on the gas. Laird was upended inside the box by James Brophy to give Stansfield the chance from the spot. Blues’ top scorer smashed the ball straight down the middle to extend his perfect penalty record to seven from seven.
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A quickfire double towards the end of the first half ensured the scoreline reflected Blues’ dominance. Keshi Anderson’s right-wing cross was diverted into his own net by Liam Bennett in the 39th minute and Blues had another inside 60 seconds.
Blues won the ball back from Cambridge’s kick-off and worked their way through the thirds before Stansfield played the ball to Anderson who intelligently let it run for Dowell. Dowell set himself before firing across Nathan Bishop to notch the first goal of his Blues loan spell.
With Cambridge all at sea, Dowell could have made it three in three minutes for Blues but his looping header hit the crossbar on its way over. Dowell latched onto a lovely through ball from Christoph Klarer in first half stoppage time only to poke his effort straight at Bishop. Blues had to settle for a three-goal lead at the interval.
The benefit of being so far in front at half-time was that Davies could rest key players early. Tomoki Iwata was withdrawn at the break to give skipper Krystian Bielik a run-out in midfield.
There was no let up from Blues in the second half and Stansfield was presented with the chance to make it four from the penalty spot before the hour. Stansfield won the spot-kick himself with a clever turn to force Ben Stevenson into a clumsy challenge. The penalty was a carbon copy of Stansfield’s first but Bishop’s trailing leg denied the 22-year-old in front of the Tilton.
There was still time for Harris to net with a left-footed half volley from 20 yards. Harris had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when the ball fell invitingly to him on the edge of Cambridge’s box and he finished superbly.
Blues’ biggest League One victory of the season extended their league unbeaten run to 14 matches and put breathing space between themselves and the chasing pack – and they still have a game-in-hand.
Ryan Allsop 6
Allsop didn’t have a save to make on his way to a 14th clean sheet of the season. The goalkeeper’s distribution was on point, as usual.
Ethan Laird 8
Laird continued his fine form in 2025 by winning the penalty that got the ball rolling against Cambridge. The right-back was very good, yet again.
Christoph Klarer 7
Cambridge’s attack was toothless and didn’t give Klarer much to worry about. The Austrian played one excellent pass to set up a chance for Dowell at the end of the first half before asking to come off in the 71st minute with an injury.
Ben Davies 7
Davies enjoyed a quiet game after an all-action display against Newcastle on Saturday evening. The 29-year-old centre-back held things together and played out from the back well.
Alex Cochrane 8
At the risk of repeating myself, Cochrane was solid and dependable at left-back. He occasionally ventured forward and showed us the quality he possesses from wide areas with that wicked left foot.
Tomoki Iwata 7
Blues had the job done by half-time so midfield maestro Iwata was rested. Whilst Iwata was on the pitch he was typically dominant and moved the ball quickly in midfield.
Paik Seung-ho 8
It was a joy to see Paik back on the pitch after one month and seven games without him. He looked as though he’d never been away and moved the ball confidently and purposefully.
Kieran Dowell 9*
Dowell is a delight. He has joined the clutch of Blues players who look a cut above League One level and waltzes around the pitch weaving his magic without a care for the opposition’s dignity. The only criticism is that he should have scored more than one.
Willum Willumsson 7.5
Willumsson looked sharper than he did against Newcastle and played his part in the third goal with a slide rule pass to Stansfield. The Icelandic should get a run in his preferred number 10 position now Dowell has landed at Blues.
Keshi Anderson 8.5
The consistency Anderson is playing with must be applauded. He created the second and third goals but won’t officially get an assist for either (yes, you read that correctly). Anderson is a creative force for this Blues side.
Jay Stansfield 8
Stansfield was hungry for goals and will be disappointed to have only added one to his tally. Blues’ talisman has found form again with four goals in his last four.
SUBS
Krystian Bielik (for Iwata, 46) 7
Bielik slotted into midfield well and would have got his name on the scoresheet had his volley not been directed straight at Bishop.
Scott Wright (for Anderson, 62) 7
Wright tormented Cambridge down Blues’ left and played his part in Harris’ goal.
Lyndon Dykes (for Willumsson, 62) 6
Dykes involved himself in the intricate play around Cambridge’s penalty area a few times but couldn’t get a shot away.
Grant Hanley (for Klarer, 71) 6
A comfortable cameo for Hanley who has now played more games for Blues this season than he managed for Norwich.
Luke Harris (for Paik, 77) 7
Harris made his mark as a substitute with his third goal of the season and first on home turf for Blues.
Not used: Peacock-Farrell, May
Attendance: 22,456
