Ryan Allsop has claimed that he is “really proud” of himself after saving a crucial penalty for his boyhood team Birmingham City, against Lincoln City, in front of his family and the side’s adoring supporters.
Birmingham didn’t have an easy game to get back into the swing of the League One season after losing for the first time before the October international break. They traveled to the LNER Stadium to play Michael Skubala’s Imps, who, like them, hope to be promoted this season.
Lincoln had won five of their first nine games of the season, while City was playing without its star player, Jay Stansfield.
They won 3-1 away, maintaining their lead in League One.
2024/25 League One Table
Team
P
GD
Pts
1
Birmingham City
10
10
25
2
Wrexham
11
11
23
3
Wycombe Wanderers
10
6
20
4
Mansfield
10
5
20
5
Exeter City
10
6
19
6
Huddersfield Town
11
5
18
Despite surrendering a goal in the first minute from a long throw-in, Sheffield Wednesday loanee Bailey Cadamarteri finished well.
Birmingham has surrendered from throw-in situations for the second time in as many games, which Allsop admits City needs to improve on.
The game might have been considerably closer if not for the City goalie, who saved a penalty when the visitors led 2-1.
This save prompted the travelling Blues supporters to sing the shot-stopper’s name, which made him very happy.
Ryan Allsop’s “proud” Birmingham City moment
The childhood Blue claimed it was fantastic to hear over 1800 Birmingham supporters sign his name when he blocked Reeco Hackett’s spot-kick, which was caused by a Paik-Seung ho foul on Conor McGrandle inside the box.
He told Birmingham Live: “I’m quite proud. It’s clearly a team I grew up supporting; my father used to take me to games, so it’s a big honour and privilege to wear the shirt.
“It’s quite strange. I used to be the one singing in there, so hearing people sing my name makes me proud. I’m quite proud of myself.
“My parents and auntie were here, and they come to every game. I’m sure my wife was watching from home with the kids. It’s a proud occasion for me, but we’re looking forward to our next game at home, when we hope to collect three points again.”
The penalty taker came on as a replacement only a few minutes before attempting to defeat Allsop. Even though he wasn’t in the starting lineup, the Blues goalkeeper admitted he’d done his homework on Hackett and his penalties.
“Me and Maik [Taylor, Blues’ goalkeeping coach] looked at them on the coach on the way here, as we do before every game. We jot down the prospective takers and determine which way they are likely to go, then make a decision in the moment. Today was a good day for me and Maik.”
Ryan Allsop will have dreamed of penalty-save moment
Any fan of any team has probably fantasized about being the one to have a significant difference on a game for their squad.
A very small number of such people become good enough to play football professionally, and even fewer get to do it for the club they grew up supporting. But that is just what 32-year-old Allsop is doing: realizing his childhood ambition.
As a young goalkeeper, he hoped to save a penalty or make a last-minute save to assist his Blues win a game.
That dream has become a reality. You couldn’t really ask for more, could you?
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