Newcastle United had a few heroes in the battle of St Andrew’s but there could only be one winner of Chronicle Live’s man of the match.
In a ding dong FA Cup tie at St Andrew’s, Newcastle fell behind after just 41 seconds as Ethan Laird lashed home via the boot of Callum Wilson for an own goal. But to their credit, the Magpies would not lie down.
Joe Willock prodded home to score an equaliser with the ball marginally creeping past Bailey Peaock-Farrell for 1-1. Wilson then made it 2-1 when he hooked past the keeper on the line.
But the roof came off in the main stand when Tomoki Iwata sent a scorching goal past Nick Pope five minutes before the break. There were just eight minutes left when Newcastle grabbed the lead as Tino Livramento freed Sean Longstaff and his cut across the face of goal was fired through the legs of the keeper to make it 3-2.
Here’s how the players rated overall at Birmingham:
Nick Pope 7
A mixed night after conceding a couple but could not have stopped the Iwata strike. Some key saves in both halves. Not least late on to deny Dowell.
Tino Livramento 7
Dealt with a tough battle and had his moments. Had a hand in a couple of the goals.
Emil Krafth 7
Thrown into the heart of defence against a Blues side that were lethal on the break. Did OK in my book given he’s barely played for a while.
Dan Burn 6
Looked like the effects of Wednesday caught up with him. An honest effort but looked drained. Taken off with a knock.
Matt Targett 6
A couple of shaky moments including a weak header for the Iwata scorcher.
Bruno Guimaraes 6
Not close to his best. Seemed surprised by the atmosphere and the level of quality of Birmingham. Taken off at the break after just 31 touches.
Sean Longstaff 8
Stepped up as captain in the second half. Put in some important challenges and notched rating up with an assist for the winner.
Lewis Miley 6
Was better after the break but this was a bigger test for the youngster than League Two Bromley.
Joe Willock 9
The match winning hero with a couple of goals. A display full of energy.
William Osula 8
By hook or crook ended the game with a couple of assists. Always looked a threat.
Callum Wilson 8
A goal from inches out but one that will have meant so much to him. He may have poked past his own keeper early on, but he was a major attacking threat in the 54 minutes he played. The striker has everything to play for at Newcastle.
Subs
Sandro Tonali 7 (for Bruno 46)
Jacob Murphy 7 (for Wilson 54)
Fabian Schar 7 (for Burn 54)
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