Blues are beaten by Newcastle in the FA Cup but Andy Munro isn’t too disappointed.
Whilst this wasn’t daylight robbery, it came close to it in front of a jam-packed St Andrews. However, it was Blues who opened the scoring following a corner from the excellent Kieran Dowell and involving the impressive Keshi Anderson, who knocked the ball through to an equally impressive Ethan Laird to volley home from close in. They would have deservedly gone two up but were foiled by a brilliant save from Newcastle keeper Nick Pope.
In fairness to Newcastle, they showed their undoubted pedigree and pegged Blues back, yet there was considerable doubt whether the ball had crossed the goal line when they equalised. To make matters worse, they then took the lead but this only encouraged Blues to greater efforts and it was no surprise when Tomoki Iwata crashed home what could prove to be the goal of the season.
The second half was less eventful although both sides had chances and after making several opportunities the Magpies scored what proved to be the winning goal. However, to their credit, Blues never stopped attacking and one move that looked a definite goal chance was mysteriously disallowed by the officials.
This was an excellent performance and whilst the Blues midfield and the forwards were outstanding it was perhaps the keeper and back four that should be particularly commended. The oft criticised Baily Peacock-Farrell put in a very competent performance whilst in front of him, Christoph Klarer and Ben Davies were at their dominant best.
Flanking them were two very lively full-backs with both Laird and Alex Cochrane not only sound defensively but also quick to overlap. The result may have been a disappointment this performance can only do Blues good in both raising both profile and confidence.
