How they rated

JAZZ RICHARDS

Could possibly have done better with the goal at the near post, did little to affect the game in attack

SEAN MORRISON

His distribution still needs to improve, but grew as the game went on and dominated Lukas Jutkiewicz in the air for the most part.

CURTIS NELSON

Still a little bit raw and makes the odd clumsy error, but his dynamism bailed Cardiff out on a couple of occasions in the first half.

JOE BENNETT

Another solid performance from the left-back. Starting to regain his rhythm going forward once again.

MARLON PACK

His range of passing still a big asset and his composure under pressure a positive. But often too ponderous in possession.

LEANDRO BACUNA

Still Cardiff’s most energetic, box-to-box midfielder and made an impact at both ends of the pitch.

GAVIN WHYTE

On paper, this looked like a game that was tailor-made for him, but he was ineffective in attack and a little sloppy in defence.

LEE TOMLIN

As per usual, the man who looked most likely to make a difference. Was offside for one goal, could have won a penalty and scored a great header.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Largely anonymous for most of the match, unfortunately. Just wasn’t his afternoon.

DANNY WARD

Did nothing to influence the game and miscontrolled on a couple of occasions when Cardiff desperately needed him to hold the ball up. Hobbled off early with injury.

STAR MAN: ALEX SMITHIES

One of the few real positives of the day. Made a couple of excellent saves including a world-class effort to stop Jude Bellingham scoring his second and denied Jutkiewicz low down late on.

SUBSTITUTES

Callum Paterson (for Ward, 31); Joe Ralls (for Hoilett, 84), Robert Glatzel (for Tomlin, 90). Not used: Neil Etheridge, Aden Flint, Will Vauls, Josh Murphy.

BIRMINGHAM

Camp; Colin, Roberts, Clarke-Salter, Pedersen; Sunjic, Bellingham (Gardner 80); Crowley, Mrabti (Maghoma 63), Bela; Jutkiewicz. Subs not used: Trueman, McEachran, Davis, Gimenez, Montero.

REFEREE

Andy Davies

ATTENDANCE

20,482