David Nugent was once again in the reserve side as was Pedro Mendes, Lauren and Matthew Taylor. Tom Kilbey, recently poached from Millwall's academy was on the bench but didn't participate.
Traore headed in from a corner in the first half against a young Birmingham side who had no recognisable names in their side. Captain Richard Hughes was given a straight red card for lashing out at David Howland after the Birmingham player had taken Hughes out with a late challenge.
Franck Songo'o hit the crossbar and Arnold Mvuemba also had a good chance to score in an action packed first half, which was a complete contrast to a dire second half. The win is the first of the season for the reserve team.
I do wonder how Pedro and Matty are finding life in the reserves. These two players were virtually permanent fixtures in the first team for all of last season and now they can't get into the first team this season. I hope they're not thinking about leaving in January, because both players have attained cult status at the club.
In other, not-so-surprising news, Steve McClaren still says that Paul Robinson is our Number 1 goalkeeper despite another error strewn performance at Anfield on Sunday.
McClaren has likened Robinson to Schmeichel, but I'm sure you'll agree that Kasper has fared far better for Man City than what Robinson has for Spurs. Yes, Jamo made a big blunder against Reading but redeemed himself with a penalty save and then went on to make a couple of vital saves against Fulham.
What more does he have to do?