Birmingham City ratings from Bradford win as Stansfield and Dykes goals book ticket to Wembley

Justice was the taste at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as Lyndon Dykes scored a late header to seal a famous win for Chris Davies’ men, sending Birmingham packing for Wembley for the first time in 14 years following refereeing controversy.

It was a deserved victory under the lights, that feeling exemplified as Bradford scored their equalising goal in mightily contentious fashion; Bantams midfielder Bobby Pointon netting on the counter-attack after Jay Stansfield had been denied a stonewall penalty. Not only was Blues’ record signing upended but he was severely hurt and had to be stretchered off the field after seven minutes of treatment.

Stansfield had opened the scoring with a moment of individual brilliance with the last kick of the first half, volleying into the far corner with conviction after controlling a Kieran Dowell cross with his chest. Blues’ record signing didn’t even take a glance at goal as he struck instinctively, finding the side netting with pinpoint accuracy.

It appeared after Bradford’s equaliser that it was going to be a frustrating night for the dominant Birmingham - who had missed several big chances - but Dykes had other ideas, scoring a glancing header. Tomoki Iwata whipped in an inviting cross and Scotland international forward Dykes made no mistake to seal a spot in the final.

Blues’ victory ensures an exciting visit to Wembley Stadium on April 13, a first fixture under the famous arch since the infamous League Cup triumph in 2011. Que sera sera.

Player ratings

Ryan Allsop - 7

Started ahead of the usual cup goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell as Davies refused to take any risks. Beaten by Pointon but not exactly at fault for it. Did very well with his distribution.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman - 8 (off 59’)

Being deployed at right-back didn’t stop him from showing off a superb passing range. Provided great width with a decent 60 minutes in the tank.

Christoph Klarer - 7

Allowed Pointon in front of him a little too easily for Bradford’s goal but was otherwise as solid as usual, hardly affording the visitors any space in behind.

Ben Davies - 8

Played an inch-perfect lofted through pass for Stansfield and made a pivotal block to deny Brad Halliday - both in the first half. Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively.

Alex Cochrane - 6

Booked for a cynical foul on Halliday after a poor touch and wasn’t his usual best when progressing down the left.

Paik Seung-ho - 6

Gave the ball away cheaply a lot more than usual, including ahead of a big chance for Halliday. Picked out a couple of decent cross-field passes to Gardner-Hickman, though.

Tomoki Iwata - 8

Swung in the incredible cross for Dykes’ winner and helped Blues dictate proceedings throughout. Broke up the play effectively.

Kieran Dowell - 7 (off 80’)

Assisted Stansfield with a dinked pass after seeing a decent free-kick saved. Tried to force it a bit too much in the first half an hour or so but grew into the game.

Willum Willumsson - 6 (90+3’)

Always looked a threat as he drove towards the Bradford back five but really lacked with his end product, often running into trouble. Did set up Stansfield for one good chance, however.

Scott Wright - 6 (off 59’)

Won a couple of fouls with decent dribbles in behind but lacked quality with many of his cross attempts.

Jay Stansfield - 8 (off 59’)

Scored the cracking opening goal, chesting the ball down and volleying into the corner. Missed two decent chances, one into the side netting after being played through by Davies and the other a loose touch following a nice cut-back from Willumsson. So unfortunate to go off with a bad injury.

Alfie May - 5 (on 59’)

Had some appalling touches - notably when clean through when Bradford had nobody back - and missed a great chance at the near post.

Ethan Laird - 7 (on 59’)

Gave Blues a welcomed boost of energy down the right and often got past his men to deliver some dangerous low crosses.

Keshi Anderson - 6 (on 59’)

Didn’t make a huge impact but was busy to help Blues on their mission to finding the winner.

Lyndon Dykes - 7 (on 80’)

Wasn’t on for long but made the difference with a clinical header to win the game.