A wet evening, a slick pitch and two committed teams and suddenly the FA Cup doesn’t seem in quite such a troubled state. This was a remarkable tie, played at remarkable pace, stuffed with incident and endeavour, and illuminated by a stunning goal from Tomoki Iwata. The Japan international’s strike was not enough to prevent Newcastle reaching the fifth round, but it was the highlight of a performance from which Birmingham will draw not merely a lot of pride but also encouragement that they will be able to cope at the higher level if they go up to the Championship.
The weather was ideal for the fourth round of the Cup, a thick veil of drizzle casting everything in an appropriately nostalgic soft focus. Although promotion is clearly the priority for Birmingham, this was a game that mattered, something clear from the dozen or so lads in Burberry caps and scarves outside New Street station chanting unconvincingly about much how they hate Geordies to the pre-match light show featuring the local rapper Jaykae.
About Author
More Stories
‘A vindication’: Maro Itoje hails England’s Six Nations win over France
Mitoma pounces as Brighton end home drought against lacklustre Chelsea
Ben Simmons waived after former No 1 pick and Brooklyn Nets agree to buyout