DAVID STOCKDALE 7

Good handling throughout, notably when he got down to his right to save a bouncing Gardner free-kick. Relieved to see the same player hit the bar at 1-0.

BRUNO 8

Back in action with a bang as he galloped forward to set up the opening goal. Had a hand in the second, too. Always took the imaginative option in possession and defended soundly.

UWE HUENEMEIER 8

Caught out a couple of times in the first half but also produced a good block on Donaldson. Rose to the challenge of being senior centre-back and enjoyed rifling in his first goal for the club.

LEWIS DUNK 7

Got on the wrong side to concede the free-kick which Gardner sent against the bar. Later made a super block before making his early exit.

GAETAN BONG 7

Perhaps a surprise return as the full-backs were rotated and the highlight of a steady comeback was a sliding tackle to thwart Nsue. Partnership with March could be exciting.

ANTHONY KNOCKAERT 7

Played a part in all three goals before going off. The best arguably was the first as he made ground and got his head up to play the right pass at the right time, something which did not always happen.

BERAM KAYAL 7

A challenging night for the midfield two against a Blues side with three in the engine room and a deep-lying forward. Did his bit and made not notable shot-block from Tesche.

DALE STEPHENS 7

As per Kayal, had his work cut out against Blues’ well-staffed midfield. Helped keep things ticking over before departing to a standing ovation.

SOLLY MARCH 7

A popular return and, without being a game-changer, was always a latent threat on the left. His nice run started the move for the early goal and he might have had a penalty.

GLENN MURRAY 8

On target again and set one up as he was too strong for Blues’ back three. But he is also such a clever and diligent player around the park with some shrewd use of the ball.

TOMER HEMED 7

Quite quiet in general play and did not really enjoy a rapport with Murray in the first half. But he struck from close range from his sidekick’s header for the key second goal.