Birmingham City ratings from ‘spirited’ Newcastle United defeat as four players score 8/10 but one 'woeful' 4

A spirited Birmingham City side are out of the FA Cup following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United, downed late on by Joe Willock in a five-goal thriller at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Blues, the scorers of one of the goals of the season through a Tomoki Iwata rocket, exit at the fourth round stage but have so much to be proud of having gone toe-to-toe with one of the best clubs in England. Chris Davies’ side went ahead, fought back from 2-1 down to be level at 2-2 for much of the tie and were only beaten when Willock slotted home late to earn Newcastle a spot in the fifth round.

One of the loudest pre-match renditions of ‘Keep Right On’ you’ll ever hear greeted the players before kick-off and it clearly inspired as Blues took the lead within just 60 seconds, Ethan Laird roaring St Andrew’s into early bedlam and setting the tone for what was to be a thoroughly entertaining clash.

Keshi Anderson nodded a Kieran Dowell corner back into the danger area and Laird reacted quickest to volley into the net, albeit a little fortuitously via Callum Wilson’s outstretched leg. Blues, spurred on by their incredible home support, nearly made it two soon after as Anderson struck sweetly on the volley but was denied by Nick Pope at full stretch.

Newcastle were stunned initially but steadied themselves to ruthlessly score two quick-fire goals. Willock equalised in bizarre fashion, seeing play waved on after a close-range shot was saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell – but assistant referee Nigel Lugg pointed his flag to the centre circle to indicate the ball had crossed the line. Replays showed Peacock-Farrell had made the save from behind his line but it was unclear if the ball had fully crossed over, with no goalline technology of aid. It beggars belief how the assistant - not even parallel to the goal - managed to see through a crowd of bodies.

The Magpies didn’t care, though, and Eddie Howe’s men netted their second in the 28th minute to take a 2-1 lead, Wilson reacting quickest in a goalmouth scramble to poke the ball into the net. Tino Livramento’s low cross caused all sorts of problems for a confuzzled Birmingham defence who failed to clear their lines, allowing Wilson to find a way through for a goal on his first start this season. Peacock-Farrell simply had to do better as the goalkeeper failed to punch away the danger, completely missing the ball with his flawed attempt to do so.

That moment was soon forgotten, however, as Birmingham responded in outstanding fashion before the break. Iwata belted the ball into the top corner to restore parity for the hosts; Marc Leonard’s cross was headed out by Matt Targett but only as far as Iwata, whose mightily pure half-volley nearly broke the net as it crashed into the top right stanchion.

Leonard suffered a potentially serious injury at the start of the second half, caught just below the knee by the studs of Lewis Miley as both players were on the ground in a 50-50 challenge. It was nothing malicious from Miley but Leonard certainly came off the worse, suffering a deep cut in his leg and being stretchered off following several minutes of medical attention.

The encounter turned feisty after the hour mark as both teams desperately attempted to get a proper foothold in the game but couldn’t as fouls from crunching tackles and heavy shoulder barges interrupted the flow. It had the taste of a proper, classic FA Cup tie and that’s exactly what was playing out as referee Matt Donohue booked several players in quick succession.

It was Newcastle who landed the next and pivotal blow, however, as Willock scored his second of the game to put the visitors back ahead. Ben Davies, who had cleared away everything else all night, failed to block Sean Longstaff’s low cross and Willock poked the ball home, nutmegging Peacock-Farrell at the near post.

Blues went very close to making an instant response as an Alfie May corner made it all the way through to the far post, deflecting off several bodies and prompting a last-gasp goalline clearance from Pope. Newcastle were still threatening, though, and Jacob Murphy would’ve wrapped up the game if it wasn’t for Ben Davies clearing away on the line after Peacock-Farrell was beaten.

There were 12 minutes of added time to spark renewed hope into the home crowd but Birmingham were unable to find a dramatic equaliser. May came closest but the striker failed to test Pope, effectively passing the ball to the away ‘keeper with a tame shot. Newcastle were able to hold on to progress but Birmingham will feel just as fulfilled having proven they are well and truly on course to return to the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Birmingham player ratings vs Newcastle

Here’s how the Birmingham players rated out of 10 in the 3-2 defeat to the Magpies.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell - 4

At fault for all three goals, you could argue. Adjudged to be behind the line as he batted away Willock’s shot for the first, missed a punch for Wilson’s goal and was then nutmegged by Willock for the winner. Was also rounded far too easily by Murphy, who should’ve made it 4-2 at the end. Made three saves to boost his rating a tad, but quite the woeful showing.

Ethan Laird - 8

Opened the scoring with an instinctive volley, albeit via a deflection. Crunched in with two or three excellent sliding tackles on Willock.

Christoph Klarer - 8

A man mountain throughout as he kept Osula and Wilson relatively quiet, apart from the latter’s goal. Booked for knocking Willock into the advertising board – a moment that rather summed up his no-nonsense defending.

Ben Davies - 7

Made countless clearances of great importance as Newcastle peppered the Blues box late in the second half but will be disappointed to have let Longstaff’s pass make its way through to Willock for the winner.

Alex Cochrane - 7

A brave performance as he went through the wars, even suffering a black eye for his troubles. Had a couple of heavy touches here and there but held his own.

Marc Leonard - 7 (off 62’)

Produced some top-drawer set pieces and showed off a decent passing range in the first half. Forced off with what looked like a very nasty injury.

Tomoki Iwata - 8

Scored a goal of the season contender that’ll be talked about for years to come with a cracker into the top corner. Hardly put a foot wrong with his passing and wasn’t exactly outclassed by the likes of Bruno and Miley.

Kieran Dowell - 7

Took the corner for Laird’s opener and linked up the play nicely between Iwata just behind and Anderson and Wright on the flanks.

Scott Wright - 6 (off 77’)

Struggled to make things stick on the right, giving the ball away far too often. Got Dan Burn booked in the first half after dribbling superbly past two or three players, though.

Keshi Anderson - 8 (off 77’)

Assisted Laird’s goal with a great header into the six-yard box and went agonisingly close to scoring one of his own as a powerful volley was saved early on. Swung in a terrific cross to create a clear-cut chance for Stansfield in the first half. Also tracked back excellently throughout to make several important defensive interventions.

Jay Stansfield - 7 (off 77’)

Missed a big chance in the first 45 as he headed narrowly wide from an Anderson cross and had another shot saved. Worked so hard as he pressed Newcastle’s defence relentlessly.