Blues defeat a 'warning shot' says Davies
Chris Davies saw his Blues side upset by neighbours Walsall in their opening EFL Trophy Southern Group A encounter on Tuesday night
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Chris Davies says his Birmingham players need to reflect on their EFL Trophy defeat by Walsall as a "warning shot".
The Saddlers prevailed on penalties after a 1-1 draw against a strong Blues side at St Andrew’s on Tuesday night.
Davies handed a start to Jay Stansfield after his record-breaking move from Fulham last Friday, and he joined Alfie May in attack.
“We need to make sure this is a warning shot for future games,” a frustrated Davies told BBC Radio WM.
Blues have taken 10 points from 12 in League One but fell behind when Charlie Lakin fired the League Two Saddlers ahead on the break against his former club.
Christoph Klarer thumped the equaliser from a corner on 84 minutes but Walsall’s defence held firm and Sam Hornby made two saves to thwart Blues in the shootout in their Southern Group A opener, including the decisive stop to deny May.
“It’s obviously frustrating,” said Davies. “We were finishing the game strong and pushing for the winning goal, but there wasn’t enough in the first 60 minutes to warrant a victory.
“We conceded one of the poorest goals you’ll see and, fair play to Walsall, they defended their box incredibly well.
“We need to reflect very honestly on our mindset for the game, what we need to improve and make sure this is a warning shot for future games.”
Austrian defender Christoph Klarer fired his first Blues goal from a corner on 84 minutes
Davies said the positives were Stansfield and some other players getting minutes, though there are fears Ethan Laird and Luke Harris could miss several weeks with ankle knocks.
He said: “It’s disappointing for those guys to miss time now but that’s why we have a squad.”
With Saturday’s trip to Exeter postponed due to international call-ups, Blues have no game until they play Wrexham on 16 September (20:00 BST).
Davies added: “We’ve had a positive start to the season from our point of view.
“What we need to do now is make sure we reset mentally and physically, ready for a big push throughout September and October.”