Blues knock Newcastle out of the League Cup

Birmingham City have knocked Premiership side Newcastle United out of the League Cup, winning 2-1 at St Andrew's on 29 November with a last-minute goal.

Michael Johnson headed the winner in the final minute, sending the home crowd into raptures and Blues into the quarter-finals.

Blues fight back

Newcastle took the lead after 14 minutes through Kieron Dyer, and for a while it looked as if the Premiership side would have too much for their First Division opponents.

But Blues hit back before half-time, when Dele Adebola equalised after 31 minutes. The big striker has been in good form this season, and his goal lifted the crowd.

The second half was tense, with both sides creating chances. Just as the game seemed to be heading for extra time, Johnson rose to head home and win the tie.

Another Premiership scalp

This is the second Premiership side Blues have beaten in this season's competition. They won 3-1 at Tottenham Hotspur in the third round at the end of October, with Adebola among the scorers.

Earlier in the competition, they beat Southend United and Wycombe Wanderers. Their run has given supporters something to cheer in a season in which the club is pushing for promotion from the First Division.

Francis's side on the rise

Manager Trevor Francis has built a side that is hard to beat and capable of competing with Premiership opposition. Blues are near the top of the First Division, and the cup run is a sign of the confidence running through the squad.

Francis, a former Blues star, has led the club to the play-offs in each of the last two seasons, only to lose in the semi-finals. He knows promotion is the priority, but a run to the later stages of a cup competition would be a welcome bonus.

A crowd of more than 18,000

A crowd of 18,520 was at St Andrew's to see the win, and the atmosphere was electric in the closing stages. Blues fans have not seen their side reach a major cup final since 1963, when they won the League Cup, and some are already dreaming of a return.

Newcastle disappointed

For Newcastle, managed by Sir Bobby Robson, the defeat is a disappointment. The Tyneside club had hoped to challenge for honours this season, and the League Cup offered a realistic chance of a trophy.

Robson's side included several internationals, but they were unable to cope with Blues' energy and determination.

The quarter-finals

Blues are now among the last eight in the competition. With the final to be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff while Wembley is rebuilt, fans are beginning to think about a trip to Wales.

Whoever they face next, Blues will go into the game with confidence. They have shown they can beat anyone on their day.

For the supporters who stayed until the end at St Andrew's, it was a night to remember.