1-0 E. Laird (1') 1-1 J. Willock (21') 1-2 C. Wilson (26') 2-2 T. Iwata (40') 2-3 J. Willock (82')
Joe Willock scored twice, including a late winner, to send Newcastle into the fifth round of the FA Cup following a scrappy affair against Birmingham City at St Andrews’ Stadium.
The hosts opened the scoring after 41 seconds through Ethan Laird before Willock scored his first 20 minutes later following a delayed reaction from referee Matt Donohue.
Willock had poked his effort towards Bailey Peacock-Farrall, who looked to have saved off the line, but the official’s thought otherwise as Newcastle levelled the game up.
Newcastle used their momentum well and, five minutes later, Callum Wilson put his side into the lead which had hugely dampened Birmingham’s initial confidence heading into this tie.
Tomoki Iwata scored a spectacular first-time strike from the edge of the area in the 40th minute, which looked to have revitalised a deflated Blues side since going down.
And, even though the 27,994 inside St Andrews’ were heard for the entirety and had hoped to see their side salvage a spot in the fifth round, Willock netted in the 82nd minute to see the game out and progress.
Marc Leonard went down just before the hour after sliding in towards Lewis Miley, with the latter having studded the Birmingham midfielder’s knee. Leonard required oxygen before being stretchered off.
It was a physical game with a total of six yellow cards that later saw substitute Fabian Schar and Laird both go down with nasty looking incidents, though they both continued to play.
Story of the Match
Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy is still ongoing and, after reaching the final of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, there was no doubt their confidence wouldn’t be felt around St Andrews’ Stadium here.
In fact, the Magpies had another chance to take an additional step closer to a second final at Wembley - weighing on the outcome of a victory on Saturday, but Birmingham started the better team as Eddie Howe’s side were lacklustre early on.
Kieran Dowell’s corner kick was placed perfectly on Keshi Anderson, situated deep into Newcaslte’s box, before his header fell to Laird. The full-back’s first-time effort took a big deflection off Wilson before the ball clattered the top left corner of the net, leaving Nick Pope with no chance.
Newcastle’s response was one that foreshadowed their impressive record of 11 wins in their last 13 games, but it did take some controversy which has been felt across the competition this week.
Wilson played an early cross into the box which saw the ball drift across the face of goal before Osula pulled it back for Willock, waiting in the middle; Willock poked it towards the hosts’ goal but, even though Peacock-Farrell was stood behind his line, looked to have blocked it with perfect timing.
However, referee Donohue gave the goal seconds after the ball was cleared following Peacock-Farrell’s save.
Newcastle added another just five minutes later through Wilson, with another scrappy effort going into the back of the net. Willock had an initial effort blocked by teammate William Osula before Wilson poked in from six-yards out to put Howe’s side into the lead.
Birmingham’s unbeaten run of 18 games in all competitions was in danger alongside their hopes of a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup, and Newcastle looked to be in control despite chances from Jay Stansfield and Anderson coming close in the first half.
But, as Birmingham have shown so often this season, their ability to spark a resurgence is that of potential giant killers, with Iwata levelling the game up with 40 minutes gone.
It was a stunning goal that was set up by Matt Targett’s weak, headed clearance on the right side, met by Iwata’s thunderous strike that beat Pope and rattled the net, sending the home fans into elation.
Their celebrations were soon discarded, however, after Willock scored in the 82nd minute to send the visitors into the fifth round of the competition, and end Birmingham’s impressive unbeaten run.
Jacob Murphy could have scored after 90 minutes when he took the ball around the keeper, but Ben Davies made a vital block to keep his side in the game with 12 minutes of injury time winding down.
Newcastle, however, kept their composure and managed to see the game out.
Player of the Match - Joe Willock
Though he hasn't had many minutes in the Premier league this season, Willock made a statement here after a stunning performance saw his score twice and ultimately lead his side to victory.
His first was controversial, but well-deserved having caused harm throughout the entirety of the first 20 minutes.
And, at the other end an hour later, managed to win the game for his side which could earn him a spot in Howe's stronger set-ups in the near future.
