Chris Davies stresses Yokoyama and Anderson point after Birmingham City duo combine at Exeter

Birmingham City overcame League One rivals Exeter City to advance to the last-16 of the Vertu Trophy

Keshi Anderson’s winning goal against Exeter City delighted Chris Davies because it came from the training ground.

Davies wants his wingers to attack the box and get on the end of each other’s deliveries and Anderson did that to great effect at St James Park. The 29-year-old converted Ayumu Yokoyama’s cross from the left to give Birmingham City a 2-1 victory over the Grecians.

As a result, Blues have advanced into the last-16 of the Vertu Trophy and are now just three games away from Wembley. Anderson continued his fine form with his 11th goal contribution in 22 matches this season.

Reacting to Anderson’s winner, Davies said: “That’s what I talk about with these guys. We have quality in the final third and what I want to make sure is when we get the ball there we make them defend.

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“That’s getting crosses in. Ayumu can both ways, he’s right-footed so when he checks back on his right we want the attackers on the opposite side of the pitch to know they have to be there. That’s the right winger scoring off a left-winger’s cross so that’s a great sign.”

Luke Harris gave Blues the lead against his former loan club before Pierce Sweeney scored direct from a corner to level matters. Davies was pleased a Blues side fielding eight changes were able to overcome a League One rival.

The Blues boss added: “It was a really good night for us. We made a lot of changes but we controlled it throughout. First half I thought we controlled the ball without creating too much. Second half they got a little bit more fatigued. They had some moments but we created some good situations.”