Two goals from Victor Anichebe sent West Bromwich Albion through to the fifth round of the FA Cup at the expense of Birmingham City this afternoon.
Anichebe's brace came within the space of 10 second-half minutes, while Jonathan Grounds's goal for the hosts ended up being a mere consolation.
Find out how the tie unfolded with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute text updates below.
2.02pmAfternoon all. So, the FA Cup takes centre stage for the second time this month and here we will be concentrating on the fourth-round clash between Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. Can the Championship hosts topple their Premier League fixtures? We shall see.
2.04pmRight, let's get some team news shall we? We'll start with the home side...
2.06pmBIRMINGHAM XI: Randolph; Caddis, Morrison, Robinson, Grounds; Davis, Gleeson, Cotterill, Shinnie, Dyer; Novak
2.07pmBIRMINGHAM SUBS: Doyle, Donaldson, Thomas, Reilly, Zigic, Spector, Gray
2.10pmThe big news for the Blues is that striker Demarai Gray is only on the bench, with Lee Novak leading the attack. There are, of course, doubts over Gray's future at St Andrew's, with the youngster having been the subject of three failed bids from Bournemouth of late. Clayton Donaldson is also a substitute, while the rest of the side is unchanged from the 1-1 draw with Leeds United last time out.
2.11pmAnd now let's take a look at the visiting Baggies...
2.12pmWEST BROM XI: Myhill; Wisdom, McAuley, Dawson, Lescott; Yacob, Gardner, Brunt, Sessegnon; Anichebe, Berahino
2.13pmWEST BROM SUBS: Foster, Pocognoli, Gamboa, Baird, Dorrans, Morrison, Ideye
2.16pmWith the exception of a goalkeeper rotation, Tony Pulis has arguably picked his strongest starting lineup. Boaz Myhill has come in for Ben Foster between the posts, but the likes of Saido Berahino, Joleon Lescott and Stephane Sessegnon all feature. There is also a place in midfield for former Birmingham player Craig Gardner.
2.19pmSo, would a Birmingham win represent an upset? After all, they are a league below their visitors. However, Birmingham boss Gary Rowett has dismissed that notion.
"If Birmingham beat West Brom, it shouldn't be a huge upset. Look at the size of both clubs, look at the current form of both teams," he told reporters.
© Getty Images
2.23pmIn the same press conference, Rowett was also full of admiration for the manager that will be in the opposite dugout to him this afternoon:
"West Brom were always going to pick up under Tony Pulis. I think he's a fantastic manager. When you look at his philosophy and how he does things, he does it properly, and you know we're going to be in a for a tough ride because Tony has such a winning mentality."
2.27pmAs for Pulis, this is what he told BBC Sport earlier this week:
"I don't think the club has played Birmingham over the past five or six years, so it will be a big game for both clubs. It's a proper cup tie. We know how tough it is and they've done fantastically well. They've got a new manager in and he's sorted it out. He's got them up and running, so we know how tough it will be."
2.31pmIndeed, Rowett has turned things around at Birmingham. He took over a side back in October that had just been thrashed 8-0 at home by Bournemouth, which had left them second from bottom. Now, though, they are 11th and if they can put together a good run between now and the end of the season, a place in the playoffs is not out of the question.
2.35pmAnd here are Rowett's players being put through the paces ahead of this encounter, via the club's official Twitter feed:
VINE: The players are being put through their paces ahead of today's game #bluesLIVE https://t.co/9okS6twFiL
— Birmingham City FC (@bcfc) January 24, 20152.39pmIt's still early days of course, but there have been signs that Pulis is going to have a similar impact at West Brom to the one that Rowett has had at Birmingham. In his three games at the helm so far, the Baggies are yet to concede a goal, having won two and drawn one. There was also a 7-0 win over Gateshead in the third round of the FA Cup.
2.42pmUPSET! Well, if Birmingham need any further inspiration ahead of this tie, they need only to look at fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers, who have just beaten Premier League Swansea City 3-1 at Ewood Park. For our match report, click here.
2.46pmOne player that will be hoping that he is not on the wrong end of an upset is West Brom's Gardner. It's a big day for the midfielder, who made 52 appearances for Birmingham between January 2010 and June 2011. During that time, he scored 11 goals.
#BIRWBA #FAC4 starting for the #Baggies No8 @CraigGards8 pic by @AdamFradgley @WBAFCofficial #COYB pic.twitter.com/bcEyYDKwnl
— Adam Fradgley (@AdamFradgley) January 24, 20152.50pmPREDICTION: Right, what is going to happen in the Second City today then? Both sides are well organised under their new managers, so it may not be the highest scoring tie of the weekend. I don't think there will actually be very much between the two teams whatsoever, so let's go for a 1-1 draw and a replay back at The Hawthorns early next month.
2.54pmThere was only a reported 5,900 in attendance at Ewood Park earlier today, but it looks like their will be a much healthier crowd at St Andrew's today:
VINE: 15 minutes until kick-off and St. Andrew's is filling up #bluesLIVE #bcfc https://t.co/LLiUTwjZKV
— Birmingham City FC (@bcfc) January 24, 20152.57pmThe players are now out on the pitch and are going through the customary pre-match handshakes. Not long now until this tie is off and running.
1 minKICKOFF! Visiting West Brom, who will attack from right to left in the first half, get us underway. There's a great atmosphere inside St Andrew's!
4 minBright start from West Brom as Gardner whips three dangerous corners into the Birmingham box, but the home defence stands strong and eventually clear the danger.
6 minAnd now it's Birmingham's turn to advance and it seems that Novak has a simple finish to put his side 1-0 up, but a sliding McAuley does ever so well to intercept the danger at the final moment. It's been a lively start at St Andrew's, that's for sure.
10 minCHANCE! First involvement for Berahino and he goes ever so close to breaking the deadlock. The young West Brom striker manages to wriggle himself free on the edge of the area, before his powerful effort cannons into the side netting. That's a good strike from what was a narrowing angle.
14 minIt's definitely West Brom that are the dominant force right now. They are keeping possession well and with the lively Berahino up front, they pose a real threat.
17 minSAVE! It's a routine stop for Myhill, but nonetheless a much needed sign of intent from Birmingham. A neat move ends up finding the feet of Cotterill, who sends a powerful effort swerving towards goal from 25 yards. The visiting goalkeeper makes light work of it, but it was a decent strike.
22 minIt's gone a little scrappy over the last five minutes or so. West Brom are still playing the better football, but they are not really going anywhere with it. As it stands, Birmingham seem content to let them have the ball and defend deep.
24 minMuch better from Birmingham as Cotterill powers to the right byline and then stands up a teasing cross towards the back post. Shinnie leaps high, but he jumps slightly early and the ball flies over his head. Better timing and it would have been a certain goal for the home side.
25 minGOAL! BIRMINGHAM 0-1 WEST BROM (ANICHEBE)
25 minThere's no celebration from Anichebe, but it's a very good goal from the big forward. He's slipped in by his strike partner Berahino and despite a late slide from Birmingham defender Robinson to deny him, Anichebe powers his low effort inside Randolph's near post. Signs that Anichebe and Berahino are forming a decent understanding perhaps.
30 minThe goal has done wonders for Anichebe, who is proving to be a real handful. Not for the first time this afternoon he's just shrugged off the attention of Robinson to start a West Brom counter-attack. The hosts might need to double up on him because the striker is running proceedings.
34 minA worrying moment for Pulis as Sessegnon hits the deck with what looks to be an ankle injury. He's returned to the action, but appears to still be in pain.
35 minGOAL! BIRMINGHAM 0-2 WEST BROM (ANICHEBE)
35 minA second goal for Anichebe and a second assist for Berahino. The England striker rolls the ball into his partner, who has Robinson between himself and the goal. However, once again he rolls his marker ever so easily and although the shot is by no means a clean one, it bounces into the far corner of the Birmingham net. Tie over? It certainly looks a long way back for Birmingham.
40 minCHANCE! A hat-trick opportunity for Anichebe, who shows fantastic strength once again as he turns to control Wisdom's low cross inside the Birmingham box. However, on this occasion, his finishing lets him down, with his scuffed effort being blocked.
43 minBirmingham have seen much more of the ball since West Brom's second goal, but they are yet to really work Myhill. If they can somehow score before the break, it could have a telling impact on this tie.
45 minThere will be two minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half.
45+1 minGOAL! BIRMINGHAM 1-2 WEST BROM (GROUNDS)
45+1 minWhat a time for Grounds to get his first goal in a Birmingham shirt! The defender is up for the attack and when Dyer sends over a low cross from the left, he shows great composure to find the net via the post. St Andrew's erupts and that will have given everyone belief heading into the break. Pulis will not be happy with his players, that's for sure!
45+3 minHALF-TIME: BIRMINGHAM 1-2 WEST BROM
3.49pmThere goes the whistle for the break, with the score at 2-1 to the away side. However, West Brom manager Pulis will not be happy, given the timing of the Birmingham goal.
3.52pmAs far as Birmingham are concerned, Rowett will know that his players have got a little lucky during that half. Quite simply, they haven't performed. Defensively they've been suspect and going forward they've created very little. Yet, that goal from Grounds in stoppage time has lifted spirits and could end up being the defining moment. Even so, they must improve in the second half, particularly with the way in which they deal with Anichebe. Robinson cannot handle the big West Brom striker so it may be a case of doubling up.
3.55pmMeanwhile, it was going ever so well for the visitors as the tie headed into first-half stoppage time. They were two goals to the good and appeared to be coasting through to round five. A loss of concentration, though, late on was punished and now it's game on. Despite that disappointment, if they can get enough of the ball to the likes of Berahino and Anichebe, you'd fancy Pulis's men to add to their goals tally before the final whistle.
3.59pmBefore we get back underway, here's an image of Anichebe following one of his goals:
© Getty Images
46 minRESTART! Hosting Birmingham, who trail 2-1, get the action restarted at St Andrew's.
49 minSAVES! Only a great stop from Randolph prevents West Brom from reopening their two-goal advantage. Lescott leaps unopposed to meet Gardner's corner, but his downward header is brilliantly palmed to safety by the Birmingham goalkeeper. It looked a certain goal. Then, moments later up the other end, Myhill gets down smartly to thwart Novak. Good start to the second half.
54 minOUCH! That must have hurt Gardner. Cotterill's powerful strike from 25 yards out catches the West Brom midfielder flush in the face. He's received some treatment and has returned to the action, despite looking a little dazed!
56 minBirmingham have started this second half very well. Whatever Rowett said to his charges, it's worked! There is much more purpose about their play and they are keeping West Brom pegged back inside their own half at present.
59 minFantastic work from West Brom goalkeeper Myhill as he races off his line to deny Dyer, who had nipped in on the blindside of Wisdom. That's brave, because he could have quit easily been clattered by the Birmingham winger there.
62 minWEST BROM SUB: In fact, that stop has come at a cost to Myhill. It looks like he's dislocated his finger and he will play no further part in this contest. Thankfully for the Baggies, they have a more than able replacement in England's Foster to come on.
65 minIt's not a great first touch from Foster as his attempted clearance barely reaches the edge of his own area, but luckily for him and West Brom, Birmingham are unable to capitalise.
68 minBOOKING! It's been a miserable afternoon for Birmingham defender Robinson and it's just got a little worse. He goes into the book for a very late challenge on Sessengon, which has left the West Brom playmaker in a heap on the floor.
69 minWEST BROM SUB: Second change for the Baggies and it's no surprise to see Sessegnon limping off following that clash with Robinson. He's been replaced by the versatile Chris Baird.
71 minBIRMINGHAM SUB: His last appearance for Birmingham perhaps? On comes Gray, who has been heavily linked with Bournemouth, to replace Dyer. Scoring the equaliser would be a good way to sign off!
73 minCHANCE! Big opening for the home side to equalise as Grounds swings over a dangerous cross from the right flank. Shinnie rises above everyone to meet the ball, but he's unable to keep his header down and the chance is wasted.
76 minBIRMINGHAM SUB: Another alteration for the home side and it's Novak that is coming off, with the imposing Nikola Zigic taking his place. Expect plenty of crosses to be thrown into the West Brom area now.
79 minGray has just had two great opportunities to get the ball into the West Brom box, but his first attempt is easily cleared, while the second was comfortably collected by Foster. It's met by groans from the home faithful. With Zigic on the pitch, the deliveries must be better.
80 minSAVE! Much better from Gray, who instead of crossing, ducks inside and then powers a strike goalwards. Foster is equal to it, showing good reflexes to tip the ball over the top for a corner, which comes to nothing. Birmingham are pushing hard for an equalising goal now.
81 minWEST BROM SUB: Final change of the contest for West Brom's as two-goal hero Anichebe trudges off. He's been replaced by the club-record signing Brown Ideye.
85 minPOST! So close for West Brom as Brunt beats Randolph to the ball, only for his low effort from a tight angle to crash against the outside of the post. Can Birmingham make the most of that lifeline?
87 minBIRMINGHAM SUB: Final roll of the dice for Birmingham boss Rowett as he takes off midfielder Davis and throws on Wes Thomas. He scored two goals in the last round remember, so has recent history in the FA Cup!
89 minSAVE! Gray certainly has plenty of belief in his own ability, that's for sure! Once again he brings out the best in Foster with a strike from distance, which the West Brom goalkeeper pushes to safety. Time is running out for the hosts.
90 minBirmingham have SIX minutes of stoppage time to score themselves an equalising goal.
90+3 minGreat work from Zigic as he knocks down a header for Shinnie, who tries to bundle his way through to goal. He's eventually blocked and the ball rolls out for a corner, but Birmingham cannot force it goalwards. The hosts are throwing everything at West Brom.
90+5 minWhile there is no shock here, I must tell you that Middlesbrough are winning 2-0 at Man City, while Bradford have come back from two goals down to win 4-2 at Chelsea! Unbelievable scenes in the FA Cup! Will we have a big moment here?
90+6 minFULL TIME: BIRMINGHAM 1-2 WEST BROM
4.56pmThere goes the final whistle and while it was a good effort from Birmingham in the second half, they ultimately left themselves too much to do. West Brom advance through to the fifth round and they remain unbeaten under Pulis's management.
4.57pmAnd that is all we have time for from St Andrew's. Thanks for joining us this afternoon and until next time, goodbye.
